The 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament is well underway at the iconic Gahanga Cricket Stadium, with nine teams (countries) competing in what has become one of the fastest-growing women's cricket tournaments in Africa. What began as a modest bilateral series between Rwanda and Uganda in 2014 has evolved into a global celebration of sport and remembrance. Born out of a solemn context—to honor the memory of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—the Kwibuka women’s T20 tournament was initiated as a way to promote peace, unity, and healing through the powerful medium of sport. The Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA), widely regarded as one of the country’s best-run sports bodies, has been the driving force behind the tournament's evolution. From a two-nation (later three) contest at the old Kicukiro cricket Oval, to a globally recognized event attracting teams from as far afield as Brazil, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. This year’s edition, which got underway on June 4 and will run through June 14, features nine nations, including powerhouses like Uganda and Zimbabwe’s High Performance XI, and newcomers Sierra Leone. Brazil, participating for the third time, adds a distinctly international flavor to the event, proving how far the tournament has come. Originally known as the Kwibuka Cricket for Peace Tournament, the competition gained official T20 International status in 2019 following the ICC’s landmark decision to grant all member nations T20I recognition. That status elevated the profile of the tournament instantly. The same year, it drew global attention with record-breaking performances: Rwanda bowled out Mali for a mere six runs—a world record for the lowest total in a completed T20I—before Uganda posted the highest-ever T20I score of 314/2 against the same team. Such milestones helped raise awareness of African women's cricket and placed Rwanda firmly on the global cricket map. Growth of Rwanda women’s cricket The impact of the tournament on the development of Rwandan women's cricket cannot be overstated. Hosting the tournament has provided local players with invaluable international exposure and inspired a new generation of cricketers. Rwanda’s rise from perennial underdogs to continental contenders reached its peak in 2023 when they won the Kwibuka title for the first time, defeating Uganda in a thrilling final. This year, the team opened their campaign with back-to-back wins over Cameroon and Sierra Leone, with Henriette Ishimwe—an ever present top player who recently reached 100 international matches—leading the charge. While star batter Gisele Ishimwe is unavailable due to club commitments in the UK, her century in the Hampshire Women’s League for Odiham & Greywell CC is a testament to how Rwandan players are now making their mark abroad. Coach Leonard Nhamburo, a seasoned Zimbabwean tactician, has brought new energy to the team, and expectations are high for Rwanda to reclaim the title in front of home fans. Rwanda qualified for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup after winning the Africa Qualifier, becoming the first East African team to qualify for an ICC youth tournament. The team reached the Super Six stage at the tournament, winning two of their matches. Beyond the competition, the Kwibuka tournament has become a platform for cultural exchange and empowerment. Each edition fosters camaraderie and understanding among nations, while continuing to underscore Rwanda’s remarkable journey of recovery and transformation. The RCA's commitment to excellence—evident in their organization, infrastructure, and grassroots development—has made Rwanda a regional hub for cricket. The Gahanga Cricket Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility funded in part through international partnerships, is a physical symbol of how sport can build bridges and dreams. With strong performances from Uganda, Tanzania, and debutants like Sierra Leone showing promise, the 2025 edition promises another thrilling chapter. Yet, beyond the runs and wickets, the tournament remains rooted in its deeper purpose: to honor the past while shaping a brighter, more inclusive future. As the tournament grows, so too does the ambition of the RCA and its players—to not only dominate on the African stage but to be recognized as global players. With each edition, the Kwibuka Women’s T20 inches closer to that vision, proving that from the ashes of tragedy, hope, unity, and excellence can rise.
