Musanze to get new Stadium within three years under relocation plan

Residents of Musanze District could have a brand-new football stadium within the next three years after local authorities confirmed that plans to relocate and rebuild Ubworoherane Stadium are progressing, marking a major step in Rwanda’s efforts to modernize sports infrastructure.

The announcement was made by Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde, who revealed that preparations to relocate the existing stadium are already underway, with the project expected to be completed within two to three years.

“We want to build sports infrastructure that matches the vision and development of Musanze City”, Mugabowagahunde said.

“We have already started the process of relocating Ubworoherane Stadium, and within two or three years this issue will have been resolved”, he added

The redevelopment project comes nine years after the stadium underwent its last major renovation.

While the facility has continued to host Rwanda Premier League matches and other sporting events, local authorities acknowledge that it no longer meets modern football standards or reflects the rapid growth of Musanze as one of Rwanda’s fastest-developing secondary cities.

Musanze District Mayor Claudien Nsengimana said the redevelopment will be carried out in two phases to ensure football activities continue while preparations for the new stadium advance.

According to the mayor, the immediate priority is to improve the existing venue by installing an artificial playing surface (turf).

“Ubworoherane Stadium served its purpose when it was built, but today it no longer reflects the level of development of Musanze or modern football requirements”, Nsengimana said.

“We are currently working to ensure the stadium is fitted with an artificial turf. Discussions are ongoing with the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) and the Ministry of Sports, and if everything goes according to plan, the installation could be completed within the next six to eight months”, he added

Authorities say the permanent replacement stadium is likely to be constructed in one of three sectors—Nkotsi, Cyuve or Gacaca—although the final site has yet to be confirmed.

The planned facility is expected to provide improved seating capacity, modern changing rooms, upgraded hospitality facilities, enhanced media infrastructure and better playing conditions capable of meeting CAF and FERWAFA requirements for elite football competitions.

The development represents a significant boost for Musanze FC, one of Rwanda’s oldest football clubs and the main tenant of Ubworoherane Stadium.

Founded after 1994, Musanze FC has established itself as a regular competitor in the Rwanda Premier League and is widely recognised for developing talented young players from the Northern Province.

In recent years, the government has renovated or constructed several modern venues, including Amahoro Stadium, Kigali Pelé Stadium, while also pursuing projects designed to strengthen grassroots sports and position Rwanda as a leading destination for continental and international sporting events.