Pius Oloka is determined to help Uganda win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, Nigeria, as he returns to the Cricket Cranes after two years away from the senior team.
The all-rounder, who made his international debut in 2023, has earned another call-up after impressing the selectors through hard work and resilience.
“I will do my best in Abuja and help the team win the trophy,” Oloka said.
His first call-up came during the 2023 T20 World Cup qualifiers when he replaced Juma Miyaji. Former head coach Lawrence Mahatlane had taken note of his talent while watching him play in test matches in Jinja, where he was a student at Jinja Secondary School following his Under-19 World Cup campaign.
“I made my debut in 2023 in the T20 World Cup qualifiers when I replaced Juma Miyaji, but since then it has been hard work and resilience,” Oloka said.
After two years away from the senior side, Oloka continued working on his game, featuring for Uganda Emerging in 2025. He is pleased that his efforts have earned him another chance under current coach Steve.
“Last year (2025), I was playing for Uganda Emerging. This time, after two years, the hard work has paid off, and I am glad to be chosen by the selectors under Coach Steve, who has been keen on discipline and hard work. My time there has paid off,” he said.
Oloka will now hope to make his experience count as Uganda chase the trophy and a place in the Africa Regional Final, the next step towards the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Cricket Cranes were flagged off by the National Council of Sports on Friday, October 16, ahead of their trip to Abuja for the October 18-25 tournament.
Uganda are the highest-ranked team in the six-nation competition, sitting 21st in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings. Hosts Nigeria are ranked 40th, followed by Zambia (62nd), Mozambique (81st), Lesotho (89th) and The Gambia (95th).
The teams will play a round-robin format, with the top two advancing to the Africa Regional Final.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah will lead Uganda, with Kenneth Waiswa as vice-captain. The 14-man squad combines experienced players with others seeking to cement their places in the team.
Wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru returns for another opportunity, while top-order batter Anas Baig Mirza is back in contention after impressing during the Mumbai Tour and ILT20 Continent Cup in Kigali.
Charles Musemeza and Gerald Olipa have also retained their places, reflecting the confidence they have earned from the coaches and selectors. Musemeza and Kakuru give Uganda two wicket-keeping options.
Cricket Cranes Squad: Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Kenneth Waiswa (vice-captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza, Charles Musemeza (wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (wicketkeeper), Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma and Enock Kasaija.
Uganda begin their campaign against Zambia on October 20 at 11:30 a.m., EAT, at NCF Oval 1 before facing Lesotho at NCF Oval 2 the following day. After a rest day on October 22, they take on The Gambia on October 23 at 3:50 p.m., Mozambique on October 24 at 11:30 a.m., and host Nigeria on October 25 at 3:50 p.m.
All matches will be played at the Nigeria Cricket Federation’s Oval 1 and Oval 2 at Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.