Itanda Kayakers crowned champions of Waterfalls Women’s Elite League 2026

Individual awards

Promising Player- Ruth Mwanga (Bujjagali)

Best Batter- Proscovia Alako (Karuma)

Best Bowler- Michelle Ariago (Itanda)

Most Valuable Player- Rita Musamali (Karuma)

Itanda Kayakers rose to victory when it mattered most, turning earlier disappointment into championship glory with a composed and clinical performance in the final of the Waterfalls Women’s Elite League 2026 at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Facing Karuma Rapids, who entered the final brimming with confidence after dominating the group stage, the Kayakers delivered a masterclass in discipline and execution to secure the coveted title.

The Rapids had dashed Bujjagali Rafters’ hopes of reaching the final, but their momentum faltered when it counted most.

Winning the toss, Karuma Rapids opted to bat first, but Itanda’s bowlers had other plans. Calm and calculative, they applied relentless pressure, striking early and refusing to let partnerships settle. Wickets fell at regular intervals, forcing the Rapids into constant rebuilds.

Captain Proscovia Alako fought valiantly, crafting a determined 46 off 41 balls, decorated with five boundaries and a towering six. A brief spark came from Patricia Malemikia, who struck 12 off 7 balls, but the late surge never materialised.

The turning point came through Hanifa Noreen, whose devastating spell of three wickets for just 11 runs in two overs ripped through the middle order and tilted the match firmly in Kayakers’ favor. Supported by Immaculate Nandera and Naume Jane Amongin, who each claimed two wickets, the Rapids were bowled out for 102 at the close of the 20th over.

Chasing 103 for glory, Itanda Kayakers stumbled early when Giringish Shadia Nabulime fell cheaply, briefly reviving hope in the Rapids’ camp. But that hope was short-lived. Janet Mbabazi steadied the innings with a mature 36 off 38 balls, absorbing pressure and guiding her side to a composed chase that sealed the championship.

For Karuma Rapids, it was a campaign marked by fight, flair, and near glory, ending in a hard-earned second place. For Itanda Kayakers, it was a story of growth, belief, and perfect timing, a title lifted in style and a final chapter written with authority.

Reflecting on the tournament, Richard Okia, Head of High Performance, praised the initiative.

 “We are pleased to conclude five days of intense competition focused on identifying talent. This is an excellent initiative by Cricket Uganda, providing us with a broad pool of players to select from. Our primary goal was talent identification, and as the High-Performance team, we see this as a significant achievement.”