Debutants Uganda made West Indies work harder than expected as the tournament co-hosts posted a challenging 173 for five after batting first.
Opener Johnson Charles led the way with 44 off 42 balls (four fours, two sixes), yet no batsman in the middle order could make many runs as the African team showed plenty of quality and promise through their bowlers.
Skipper Brian Masaba picked up two crucial wickets of Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell with his wrist spinners, while pacers Cosmas Kyevata and Juma Miyagi impressed with their pace and accuracy.