The just-concluded UCI Road World Championships in Kigali were a resounding success. The cycling spectacle showcased Rwanda’s organisational excellence, infrastructure, and security. Yet, what stood out most was the people themselves. For eight days, Kigali’s streets pulsed with colour and rhythm. Thousands of Rwandans lined the routes from Mur de Kigali to Nyabugogo, turning the race into a festival of music, drumming, and spontaneous dance. ALSO READ: Minister Ngarambe salutes fans' 'incredible enthusiasm' at UCI championships As one young fan said, “This was history, and we had to be part of it.” Their presence was not passive. It was the difference between a competition and a celebration. This is not the first time Rwandans have defined the character of major events. During the Basketball Africa League (BAL), fan zones at BK Arena brimmed with energy, giving the tournament an atmosphere that visiting players described as unmatched on the continent. When Rwanda hosted the 73rd FIFA Congress last year, it was the hospitality of ordinary citizens, guiding visitors, filling hotels with warmth that reinforced Kigali’s reputation as a safe, welcoming hub. ALSO READ: UCI 2025 DAY-7 IN PICTURES: Thousands of fans flock to the streets, Spain and Canada are crowned The lesson is clear: infrastructure may host events, but it is people who create memories. The government’s planning was meticulous. Roads were closed smoothly, schools adapted schedules, nightlife rules were relaxed. But without Rwandans embracing those adjustments with patience and enthusiasm, the championship could have been a logistical headache. Instead, it became a benchmark for how sporting events can be harmonised with daily life. Visitors left Kigali with a different image of Rwanda—one of joy, unity, and resilience. That perception shift is invaluable. Every flag waved, every drumbeat, every smile was soft power at work. As Rwanda positions itself for future global events—from cycling to athletics to the next BAL seasons—its greatest asset will remain its people. Rwandans are not just spectators; they are co-hosts. And it is in their cheers, their dances, and their generosity that the country’s vision of being a premier destination for world sport finds its truest foundation.
