As the City of Kigali prepares to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships from September 21-28, officials have announced road closures and movement restrictions aimed at ensuring safety during the race. ALSO READ: Guidelines for Kigali businesses ahead of global cycling race While schools will not be open and public servants will work from home during the eight days of the global cycling race, essential services to continue running smoothly. Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in charge of Communication and Community Education at City of Kigali, told The New Times that key race routes in Kigali will be closed to vehicles throughout the day (mostly between 9am to 5pm) during the event. ALSO READ: Kigali schools to close during UCI Road World Championship Businesses located along race routes are advised to plan alternative access options, as the closures will remain in effect from 9am to 5pm. From September 21 to 24, the race will follow routes from BK Arena through Kimironko, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza ya Kicukiro, Gahanga, back to Sonatube, Kanogo, Kwa Mignone and ending at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC). On the first day, the circuit will extend from Kanogo to the main roundabout in the Central Business District (CBD). ALSO READ: Cycling: Why Kigali 2025 is billed to be UCI’s hardest race ever From September 25 to 27, routes will stretch from KCC through Gishushu, Nyarutarama, MINAGRI, Netherlands Embassy, Kimihurura, Cadillac, Kwa Mignone, and back to KCC. The final day will follow the same circuit but with an extended loop covering Peyaje, the CBD roundabout, Muhima, Nyabugogo, Giticyinyoni, Ruliba, Karama ka Norvege, Nyamirambo, Kimisagara, Kwa Mutwe, Mu Biryogo, Gitega, and back through the CBD before reconnecting with Peyaje, Mu Kanogo roundabout, Sopetrade, Cadillac, Kwa Mignone and KCC. ALSO READ: Kigali's school calendar set to be adjusted as UCI comes to city Ntirenganya said that alternative routes for private vehicles, trucks, and public transport will be communicated ahead of the race. Public servants have been encouraged to work remotely, except those in essential or event-related roles. The Ministry of Trade on September 2 advised traders to ensure adequate stock of goods in advance to avoid disruptions during road closures, and arrange any necessary deliveries during night hours when roads are open. Truck drivers will be facilitated during night hours. Citizens have been urged to plan their travel early, use alternative routes if movement is necessary, or join the public in cheering the cyclists if they have no urgent commitments. Regarding vehicle access for essential services, Ntirenganya explained that service vehicles will use designated alternate routes. “Additionally, four access points have been arranged to allow emergency movement across closures, ensuring response teams and urgent service providers can operate effectively within closed-off zones,” she said. In cases of urgent emergencies within restricted areas, emergency responders will rely on the alternative routes and use the access points to cross race corridors swiftly and safely. Preparations for the race are being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda National Police, Rwandan Cycling Federation and other key institutions. Ntirenganya said the city remains committed to delivering a seamless event. “We urge service providers to explore alternative routes and plan ahead and we encourage Kigali residents to participate responsibly in this historic global event,” she added.
