25 years on, Rwanda to host 4 team memorial women’s T20I event

(Updated 13 June after Kenya withdrew from the event due to lack of funds).

Between April and July in 1994 up to one million people were murdered during the Rwandan Civil War. The genocide had lasting and profound effects on Rwanda and neighbouring countries.

Established in 2014 the event is held as a remembrance for all the sportsmen/women who lost their lives during the genocide in 1994. Rwanda is using cricket to promote peace through the nation’s slogan of NEVER AGAIN. Kenya (who unfortunately pulled out of what would’ve been a five-team event overnight) has the strongest record in the annual tournament having won it three times (2018, 2017, 2015). Neighbouring Uganda won the inaugural edition and was also successful in 2016.

The sixth edition will have a record 5 nations – with all matches holding T20I status -with two newcomers in Mali and Tanzania, they will compete against Kenya, Uganda and hosts Rwanda. The tournament will run from June 16^th to 23^rd and all games will be played at the magnificent Gahanga Cricket Stadium.

Developed by charity “Cricket Builds Hope” Gahanga Cricket Stadium now hosts various domestic events and is now the home of Rwanda’s international matches including the recent men’s T20 World Cup Africa B Qualifier in July 2018

Uganda in the past has been sending a development side but with ICC ranking points on the line they have chosen to an experienced side with a few new faces. The Lady Cricket Cranes side has eight players who were part of the side that went to Zimbabwe for the World Cup Qualifiers in May this year with Rita Musamali named as Captain and she will be assisted by Immaculate Nakisuyi.

The team will be handled by Micheal Grace Ndiko and assisted by Ivan Kakande who just returned from a cricket apprentice in Sri Lanka.

All teams arrive on 16^th June, a visit to the genocide memorial site is schedule for the 17^th with the action slated to start on 18^th.

Lady Cricket Cranes Squad to Rwanda

Rita Musamali – Captain
Immaculate Nakisuyi – Vice Captain
Stephanie Nampiina
Damalie Busingye
Sarah Walaza
Marie Kagoya Nyende
Joyce Mary Apio
Evelyn Anyipo
Esther Ilukor
Alako Proscovia
Midred Anyingo
Susan Kakai
Gloria Obukor
Christine Anayo

Coach – Micheal Grace Ndiko Assistant Coach – Ivan Kakande

Tournament Schedule TBC considering Kenya’s withdrawal but original draw below.

Date	Time
16/06/2019	Arrival of Teams
17/06/2019	Visit to Memorial
18/06/2019	09h30am	Rwanda vs Mali
	13h50pm	Tanzania vs Uganda
19/06/2019	09h30am	Mali vs Tanzania
	13h50pm	Uganda vs Rwanda
20/06/2019	09h30am	Uganda vs Mali
	13h50pm	Rwanda vs Tanzania
21/06/2019	09h30am	Rwanda vs Mali
	13h50pm	Tanzania vs Uganda
22/06/2019	09h30am	Mali vs Tanzania
	13h50pm	Uganda vs Rwanda
23/06/2019	09h30am	Uganda vs Mali
	13h30pm	Rwanda vs Tanzania

All matches at Gahanga Stadium

Denis Musali

Denis is digital communications manager for Cricket Uganda and also writes for Kawowo Sports. If it isn't cricket he spends his time working on his ridesharing startup. On a Sunday he captains his club side Wanderers Cricket club as a wicket-keeper batsman.