Robinson Obuya struck a record-breaking century as Uganda defeated hosts Rwanda by 72 runs to reach the ILT20 Africa Continent Cup final.
The Cricket Cranes opener carried his bat for an unbeaten 118 from 70 deliveries at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Obuya struck 8 fours and 8 sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 168.57 during his first T20 International century.
His unbeaten 118 also became the highest individual score by a Ugandan in men’s T20I cricket. It surpassed Simon Ssesazi’s unbeaten 100 against Tanzania in December 2022.
Uganda won the toss and elected to bat after recalling Juma Miyagi and Anas Baig. Fahad Mutagana and Enock Kasaija made way.
Obuya anchored the innings as Uganda accumulated an imposing 188/2 from their allotted 20 overs.
Gerald Olipa continued his encouraging tournament with an unbeaten 35 from 19 balls, helping Uganda finish the innings strongly.
Rwanda’s pursuit immediately ran into trouble as Uganda’s fast bowlers reduced the hosts to 25/5.
Miyagi conceded only 8 runs while claiming 2 wickets during a destructive opening spell that effectively ended Rwanda’s challenge.
Isae Niyomugabo provided Rwanda’s only meaningful resistance, scoring an unbeaten 52 as wickets continued falling around him.
The hosts eventually reached 116/9 from 20 overs, finishing 72 runs behind Uganda’s imposing total.
Cosmas Kyewuta returned figures of 3/32, while Joseph Baguma claimed 3/22. Miyagi completed Uganda’s impressive bowling display with 2/8.
The victory confirmed Uganda’s final place before Friday’s concluding round-robin encounter against regional rivals Kenya.
Kenya remain strongly positioned to qualify, potentially setting up consecutive meetings between East Africa’s leading cricket rivals.
Uganda entered the Kigali tournament as defending champions after winning the previous edition in 2024.
Obuya finished that competition as the leading run-scorer with 272 runs, highlighting his sustained influence at the top of Uganda’s batting order.
The century also arrived at an important moment for the Cricket Cranes as they prepare for another possible title showdown.
Match summary: Uganda 188/2 in 20 overs: Robinson Obuya 118 not out, Gerald Olipa 35 not out. Rwanda 116/9 in 20 overs: Isae Niyomugabo 52 not out; Cosmas Kyewuta 3/32, Joseph Baguma 3/22, Juma Miyagi 2/8. Uganda won by 72 runs.