Rwanda to host CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2027 and 2028

Rwanda has been handed hosting rights for the CECAFA Kagame Cup in 2027 and 2028, extending the country’s growing role as one of East and Central Africa’s leading football hosts.

The decision was taken by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Executive Committee during its meeting at the Movenpick Hotel on August 6, 2026, under the chairmanship of CECAFA president Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam.

The announcement comes after Rwanda successfully staged the 2026 edition, which returned to Kigali for the first time since 2019.

The tournament, played at the Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium, culminated in a memorable final as Rayon Sports defeated Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-1 after extra time to lift the trophy. 

The decision gives Rwanda three consecutive editions of the regional club competition from 2026 to 2028, underlining CECAFA’s confidence in the country’s infrastructure, organisation and ability to deliver major football events.

The Kagame Cup has a particularly strong connection with Rwanda.

The competition, formerly known as the CECAFA Club Cup, was renamed the Kagame Interclub Cup in 2002 after President Paul Kagame began supporting it.

The tournament provides clubs from the region with important competitive preparation before their CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns.

Rwanda has previously hosted the competition on several occasions.

The country first staged the tournament in 2000, when Kenya’s Tusker FC defeated APR FC 3-1 in the final.

Four years later, APR FC claimed the trophy on home soil, beating Kenya’s Ulinzi Stars 3-1 in the 2004 final.

APR FC successfully defended home advantage in 2007, defeating Uganda Revenue Authority 2-1 in Kigali.

The Rwandan champions then completed another home triumph in 2010, beating Ethiopia’s Saint George 2-0 after extra time.

The 2014 edition saw Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh crowned champions after a 1-0 victory over APR FC in the final.

It was Rwanda’s fourth hosting of the competition since its inception. 

Rwanda returned to the hosting calendar in 2019, when KCCA FC of Uganda defeated Tanzania’s Azam FC 1-0 in the final in Kigali.

That edition marked the tournament’s return to Rwanda after five years.

The 2026 tournament has now added another chapter, with Rayon Sports becoming only the second Rwandan club after APR FC to win the competition on home soil.

Their victory also ended a 28-year wait since Rayon Sports’ first regional title in 1998.

With the 2027 and 2028 editions now secured, Rwanda will have another opportunity to showcase its football infrastructure while giving the region’s leading clubs a platform to compete, prepare and pursue continental success.