Teams representing Kigali showcased dominance at the finals of Umurenge Kagame Cup 2025, walking away with 10 medals across various disciplines during the closing phase of the competition held in Musanze District. The annual tournament, launched to promote good governance and social cohesion, features competitions that begin at the sector (umurenge) level across the country. ALSO READ: Umurenge Kagame Cup 2025 finals set for Musanze this weekend Sports disciplines include football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, cycling, high jump, sitball, and traditional board games like igisoro. Kigali's biggest highlight came in football, where Jabana Sector claimed the men’s title after beating Mbazi from Huye District 2-0 in the final. In the women’s category, Kacyiru Sector finished as runners-up following a narrow 1-0 loss to Mahembe Sector. Kicukiro’s volleyball team also impressed, defeating Ngoma 3-1 in the men’s final. Gicumbi secured the women’s volleyball title after edging past Ngoma 3-2. In track and field, Kigali athletes swept nearly all podium places. In the 1000m race, Byukusenge Devotha and Musabeyezu Gerard emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively. Byukusenge continued her dominance in the 3000m race, while Niyibizi Emmanuel took the men’s title. In longer distances, Niyonshima Zakiy (10,000m) and Ntivuguruzwa Ismael (15,000m) also led Kigali to gold. Solange Uwamariya and Djibril Masengesho, both from Kigali, topped the high jump events, confirming the city’s edge in athletics. Musanze District, the host of this year’s finals, celebrated success in basketball, winning both the men’s and women’s categories. Bugesera (women) and Kirehe (men) secured victories in sitball. In “igisoro” competition, standout performances came from Diane Mukundirehe, Brighitte Sangwa, and Martha Nyirandamutsa, while Marie Solange Mukarugwiza and Emmanuel Mfiteyezu topped the overall standings. Minister of Local Government, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, praised the growing popularity and inclusivity of the tournament. “We’re proud that the competition continues to grow, with all 416 sectors from across the country registering this year,” he said. “These games offer us, as leaders, a platform to connect with citizens directly, in the spirit President Kagame has always encouraged.” Next year’s Umurenge Kagame Cup finals will be hosted by Nyagatare District.
