In a historic milestone for Rwandan sports, Alice Umulinga has been unanimously elected as the first female president of the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (NOC Rwanda). Umulinga won the election unopposed, receiving full support from all 50 eligible voters who attended the Elective General Assembly that took place in Kigali on May 10. Umulinga, 46, who has been acting in the role since January 2023, becomes the first woman to lead the Olympic Committee after she was elected on unanimous polling result. She will stay in office throughout the next quadrennial term which will run until 2028. In her acceptance speech to the General Assembly, Umulinga pledged continued collaboration with member sports federations, the Ministry of Sports and other partners. “I am truly honored to be entrusted once again with the responsibility of leading the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee. This is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of a united and ethical sports movement, she said. “With many of us re-elected from the outgoing committee, this continuity is a powerful sign of sustainable leadership for the future of Rwandan sport. Our top priority is to create an environment where athletes come first, governance is transparent, and Rwanda earns its rightful place on the global sporting stage.” She added “Together, we can build a more inclusive, impactful, and financially sustainable sport ecosystem for our athletes and their entourage.” A former player of the national women's volleyball team and Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC) with a career spanning , Umulinga served as RNOSC’s first vice-President since May 2021 until approved to assume the office as acting president after then president Theo Uwayo resigned from the position in November 2022 as a result of failing to have a common vision with some members on the executive committee. During her rein, she will work with the newly-elected executive committee which features a blend of continuity and renewal. Most outgoing members retained their positions, a sign of confidence in their stewardship over the past four years. Newly elected RNOSC executive committee: President: Alice Umulinga First Vice President: Christian Gakwaya Second Vice President: Salama Umutoni Secretary General: Joseph Kajangwe Treasurer General: Kevin Ganza Advisors Jean Butoyi Arlette Ruyonza
