Kigali dominates Umurenge Kagame Cup as 20th edition ends in Bugesera (Photos)

Kigali City emerged as the biggest winner of the 20th edition of the Umurenge Kagame Cup, a nationwide grassroots sports tournament that attracted more than 3.5 million participants across Rwanda.

The competition concluded on Sunday in Bugesera District after weeks of intense sporting action showcasing talent from all corners of the country.

Established in 2006 as the Good Governance Tournament, the competition was renamed the Kagame Cup in 2010 and has since become one of Rwanda’s most significant grassroots sporting events

Beyond competition, the tournament promotes unity, good governance, social cohesion, and the discovery of sporting talent at the grassroots level.

Kigali City athletes excelled across several individual disciplines, claiming numerous gold medals.

In the one-kilometer race, Sekabaraga Sildio of Kigali won gold in the men's category, while Diane Niyomugisha from the Western Province triumphed in the women’s race.

Kigali also celebrated victories in the three-kilometer race through Jean Baptiste Manishimwe and in the 15-kilometer event through Munyakazi Felecien.

In traditional games, Kigali athletes continued their dominance as Bampire Regis and Niyonagize Alfred secured gold medals in tradition game called Igisoro.

Masengo Gibril also brought another gold medal to the capital city after winning the long-jump competition.

Elsewhere, Nishimwe Gisele of Kigali claimed top honors in women’s cycling, while Emmanuel Mfiteyesu of Northern Province won the men's category.

In team sports, Kirehe and Gasabo emerged victorious in men’s and women’s Sitting Volleyball respectively.

Ngoma District crowned women’s Volleyball title with a convincing 3-0 victory over Gicumbi, while Kicukiro secured the men’s crown after defeating Gasabo in straight sets.

Basketball titles were shared between Kicukiro and Kayonza.

Kicukiro defeated Kamonyi 81-69 to lift the men’s trophy, while Kayonza overcame Kamonyi 73-61 to claim the women’s championship.

Football finals provided exciting entertainment for spectators.

In the women’s category, Mahembe Sector from Nyamasheke District successfully defended its title by defeating Kacyiru Sector 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw.

In the men’s final, Masaka Sector produced a remarkable attacking display to defeat Nyarugenge Sector 6-3 in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, praised the success of the tournament and highlighted its growing importance in national development.

“The tournament has been a great success. More than three and a half million citizens participated. It symbolizes good governance, national unity, and community development”, he added

Winning teams received prizes worth RWF 1.8 million.

Organizers also confirmed that the 2027 edition of the Umurenge Kagame Cup will conclude in the City of Kigali, where the tournament is expected to continue its tradition of promoting sports excellence and community engagement throughout Rwanda.