Uganda launched their ILT20 Continent Cup title defence emphatically, beating Sierra Leone by 114 runs in Kigali on Wednesday.
The Cricket Cranes posted 250 for three, setting a new national record for their highest T20 International total.
That total surpassed Uganda’s previous best of 229 for three, recorded against Botswana in Kigali during December 2024.
Charles Musemeza led the batting charge with 89 runs from 57 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.
Gerald Olipa then accelerated brutally, finishing unbeaten on 83 from only 34 deliveries.
His innings featured nine sixes and four fours, giving Uganda complete control during the closing stages.
Musemeza and Olipa added 127 runs for the third wicket after Uganda had slipped to 77 for two.
Robinson Obuya had earlier contributed 37 from 20 balls, providing early momentum before his dismissal.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah added a late flourish with an unbeaten 32 from only eight deliveries.
Uganda collected 46 runs from the final 11 balls, pushing the total beyond Sierra Leone’s realistic reach.
Sierra Leone never threatened the required scoring rate, despite an aggressive innings from Alusine Turay.
Turay struck 78 from 50 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes during his resistance.
Juma Miyagi eventually removed Turay and finished with two wickets for 18 runs from four overs.
Kenneth Waiswa also claimed two wickets, conceding only 20 runs during another controlled four-over spell.
Sierra Leone closed on 136 for four, leaving Uganda with a commanding 114-run victory.
The result gave Uganda an ideal start as they chase a third successive Continent Cup title.
Uganda won the inaugural tournament in 2023 before successfully defending the crown in Kigali during 2024.
This year’s squad includes several emerging players alongside established internationals, giving selectors another chance to test depth.
The tournament also forms part of Uganda’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier.
Uganda continue their campaign against Botswana before later meetings with hosts Rwanda and regional rivals Kenya.