Kigali is set to welcome thousands of riders, teams, and fans from around the world for the UCI Road World Championships scheduled for September 21-28. PICTORIAL: Riders test Kigali routes ahead of UCI Road World Championships In 2021, Rwanda won the rights to host the 2025 UCI Road World Cycling Championships, becoming the first African country to organise the world’s largest cycling event. Morocco was also contending for the hosting rights, but Rwanda was awarded the honour in an announcement made in Louvain, Belgium, which hosted the 2021 edition of the race. ALSO READ: Police announce road closures, alternative routes in Kigali ahead of UCI World Championships The achievement highlights Rwanda’s growing reputation as a trusted destination for international events, said Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, during an interview broadcast by multiple radio stations on Sunday, September 14. “When you look at ceremonies like the recent Kwita Izina, you notice that when elite visitors attend, they don’t go to places that don’t meet their standards,” Ngarambe said. “When such guests feel at home in Rwanda, you realise that money attracts money. That’s why in sectors like hotels, transport services, and event organisation, Rwanda’s capacity keeps growing, and the country is gaining recognition as a hub for world-class sports events.” ALSO READ: Rwanda is on right path to become a sports hub He emphasised that Rwanda’s ability to host international competitions stems from strong coordination among institutions. “When you hear about the Police, the City of Kigali, Ministry of Sports, FERWACY, Migration, and the Airport—all these institutions are working together. Visitors find us speaking with one voice. “They see that nothing enters the country without the knowledge of the federation and the Ministry of Sports, and that all relevant institutions are aligned. Their equipment is facilitated to enter, and they are granted tax exemptions on what they bring in and take back out.” All these efforts, the minister said, are what Rwanda presents in its portfolio to show that it is the ideal destination for hosting such events. ALSO READ: A closer look at UCI firsts during Rwanda race Ngarambe also acknowledged the role of citizens in the country’s accomplishments, noting that these achievements are supported by Rwanda’s stability, the people’s discipline, and the hospitality given to visitors. “The institutions alone would not be enough without the active participation of Rwandans in their daily lives,” he said. Looking ahead to the race, the Minister encouraged the public to support the event. “We are calling on everyone—young and old—to come out along the roads to cheer. We especially encourage the youth to witness what they could aspire to in the future and to share the good image of our country with foreigners.”
