Despite the barriers, the women’s team, known as the Uganda Pearls, have high hopes for the development of the game in Uganda. International Umpire Anna Harris recently spent time in Uganda with Cricket Without Boundaries and took the opportunity to find out more with the Uganda Pearls Team Manager, Lelia Namaganda Ondeko, and the Captain, Janet Mbabazi.

Both Lelia and Janet were keen to stress that cricket offers an opportunity to develop essential values such as respect, discipline, and teamwork, developing character both on and off the field and helping players to navigate the challenges of the game and of life. For both Lelia and Janet cricket is more than just a sport; it’s a journey of personal growth. Anna picks up the story…

Leadership, Discipline, and Overcoming Challenges: Lessons from Cricket in a Nutshell

My time spent in Uganda was mainly in Entebbe with the Uganda Women’s National Team. Prior to this I spent a few days in Lira with the Cricket Without Boundaries volunteering team. During my stay I chatted with people across the sport, asking them about life in Uganda and their life in cricket. Through these discussions I found that many of the challenges faced by the Ugandan Team are shared across Full Member Nations and Associate Nations alike: lack of funding, pressure to perform, male sport prioritisation, and time spent away from family and friends. However, I also heard and experienced the further challenges that cricketers in Uganda face, and discussed these with Lelia and Janet. These hardships include socioeconomic instability, lack of access to quality cricket kit and the struggle to keep cricket on the map and in the spotlight in a country where football, athletics and basketball dominate the public’s attention.

Janet bowling v Brazil - Kwibuka 2025

The Life Skills Cricket Teaches

As a cricketer, you quickly learn that leadership is key. The role you play on the field requires more than just skill; it demands that you take charge, make quick decisions, and guide your team through the game. Leadership in cricket comes with the responsibility of managing your teammates and the game itself. All parties said that "when you're bowling, you literally hold the game in your hands," emphasising how players must step up in crucial moments. Whether you're leading the charge or supporting your teammates, taking responsibility is an essential aspect of the game.

Respect has a crucial role to play on and off the field. Without respect for one another, a team cannot function cohesively. It was agreed that "you can't be on the same team without respecting one another, otherwise you won't be able to listen to each other," highlighting the importance of mutual respect within a team. Teamwork is another core lesson; cricket is never a solo effort. Success is built on collaboration, and even when things don’t go according to plan, the team lifts each other up, ensuring no one falls behind.

Discipline is integral to maintaining focus and consistency in cricket. "Discipline goes hand in hand with respect," Lelia and Janet reflected, adding that the sport teaches players to make sacrifices, whether it’s adjusting tactics mid-game or accepting difficult decisions. Being adaptable, staying calm under pressure, and making decisions that benefit the team are all vital lessons. Cricket players are also taught to manage stress and pressure, an important skill not only for the sport but for life in general.

The Challenges Players Face

Many of the challenges faced by the Ugandan Team are shared across Full Member Nations and Associate Nations alike: lack of funding, pressure to perform, male sport prioritisation, and time spent away from family and friends. However, Uganda faces further hardships including socioeconomic instability, lack of access to quality cricket kit and the struggle to keep cricket on the map and in the spotlight.

While cricket offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. One of the major difficulties that players often face is the lack of financial support. For many teams around the world, resources are limited. "Most times, we have to forgo some things for the boys, such as practice time or access to facilities.” The prioritisation of men's teams for resources and facilities often leaves women’s teams with fewer opportunities to practice. This disparity in support can be disheartening, but players have learned to make do with what they have, persevering through financial hardships and limited equipment availability.

The mental and emotional toll of the game is another challenge. Players are expected to perform consistently at a high level, and the pressure to meet these expectations can weigh heavily on them. "Everyone expects you to be the best at all times, and when things don’t go as planned, it can be mentally exhausting," Janet said, emphasising the emotional stress that comes with the sport. Along with the pressures of performance, players must also deal with the absence from family and friends, especially when they are away for extended periods due to tournaments and training.

In addition, injuries and physical fitness can impact a player’s career. "An injury can sideline you for a while and cause you to miss out on opportunities," Janet says, illustrating how physical setbacks can affect a player’s progression. The lack of access to high-quality equipment further complicates matters, as players often rely on donations or struggle to afford gear. Janet told me that she has used the same batting pads for over 5 years, and each year pays for the straps to be repaired or replaced.

The Vision for the Future: Victoria Pearls in Five Years

Looking ahead, everyone interviewed envisions a bright future for the team. One such vision is to see the Victoria Pearls, Uganda's women's cricket team, at the World Cup within the next few years. "We’re working towards getting there," said Lelia, adding that with the right support, the team could soon be competing at the highest level. In the next five years, the goal is to see the team play more competitive cricket, not just within Africa but internationally as well.

In addition to playing on the global stage, there is a hope for more funding and sponsorship opportunities. "We need more financial freedom for the girls," Lelia and Janet explained, stressing that increased support from sponsors could help improve the overall quality of the team and the sport in Uganda. With the right backing, the vision is to see the team dominating the African region and consistently performing well in international tournaments. In the next few years, the Victoria Pearls are hoping to gain ODI status, allowing their team to play more competitive fixtures against new and more varied opponents.

Leaving a Legacy

As players work towards achieving their dreams, many hope to leave behind a lasting legacy. "I want to leave a team that is proud of themselves, proud of what they’ve achieved," said Lelia. For them, it’s not just about winning trophies but also about inspiring others to pursue their dreams. They hope to leave a legacy of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership that future generations can look up to. "I don’t want to give up, and I want to instil that mindset in the team," added Janet, highlighting the importance of resilience.

Uganda Pearls Team Manager, Lelia Namaganda Ondeko

Cricket has taught them not just how to play the game but how to face life’s challenges with grace and determination. Whether it’s the mental strain, the physical demands, or the struggles for resources, the game has provided valuable lessons in overcoming adversity. "As long as I can encourage someone to pursue their dreams, I’ll be happy," said Janet. This view was shared from numerous anecdotal discussions I had with Ugandan coaches and players throughout all levels of the game.

Continued Support for Cricket in Uganda

The role of organisations like Cricket Without Boundaries (CWB) is crucial in supporting the development of cricket in Uganda. Their ongoing efforts in providing training, creating awareness, and supporting the local cricket community have been invaluable. "We need more tours, more exposure, and more equipment for young players," Lelia notes, emphasising that such initiatives help nurture talent and build the sport from the ground up. Continued support from organisations like CWB can help bridge the gap between the current challenges and the potential for cricket in Uganda to thrive.

In conclusion, cricket is more than just a game; it’s a life-changing experience that teaches values such as leadership, discipline, respect, and teamwork. As players face challenges, both on and off the field, they continue to grow and work towards a brighter future for their teams and for the sport itself. With the right support, the future of cricket in Uganda looks promising, and the hope is that one day, the Victoria Pearls will stand tall on the world stage.