Sports journalist Butoyi scoops continental award for cycling documentary
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Veteran sports journalist Jean Butoyi scooped the Best TV Documentary Award and Sports and Development for his documentary 'Kigali 2025 Heart of Cycling'

Jean Butoyi, a veteran sports journalist with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), has expressed his delight after winning the Best TV Documentary Award in Sport and Development for a documentary that he produced during the UCI Road World Championship held in Kigali in September 2025.

The award, presented by the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), recognizes outstanding storytelling that highlights the role of sport in social and economic development.

Butoyi’s documentary Kigali 2025: Heart of Cycling explores the growth of cycling in Rwanda and the country’s rising profile on the global stage as witnessed during the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.

"I am very happy to win this award. It is a big achievement for me and a proud moment in my career,” Butoyi said. "It also serves as motivation—not just for me, but for young journalists who aspire to go far in this profession.”

The documentary highlights Kigali’s emergence as a regional hub for cycling and showcases the sport’s impact on communities across the country.

The recognition has also drawn praise from UCI President David Lappartient who described the documentary as "remarkable work” in showcasing Rwanda’s cycling journey.

A seasoned broadcaster, Butoyi is widely known for his sports commentary, particularly covering major football events involving the Rwanda national team, Amavubi including the Africa Cup of Nations where Rwanda qualified for the 2004 edition held in Tunisia. He also serves as president of the Rwanda Sports Journalists Association (AJSPOR).