The National Inter-University Sports League is set to make its long-awaited return in December after being inactive for more than a decade, Times Sport can confirm. The return of the competition, which brings together universities from across the country, was first announced by Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire during a parliamentary session on November 5. ALSO READ: Mukazayire: Only performing federations will get funding The league will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Council, and the Rwanda National Students Association throughout the 2025/26 academic year. National playoffs and finals are scheduled for May 2026. The first edition of the revived league will feature four disciplines namely football, volleyball, basketball, and handball. ALSO READ: Government looks to revive talent growth as inter-school games kick off According to University of Rwanda (UR)’s Wellbeing, Sports and Culture Specialist Albert Kayiranga, at least 40 UR campuses across the country are gearing up to participate. He added that organisers hope private universities will gradually join in the coming seasons as the league expands. “Previously, the inter-university sports league was hindered by financial constraints. These included limited funds to cover prizes, pay referees, and support league operations and facility maintenance,” Kayiranga told Times Sport. Under the new format, competitions in each sport will begin at the provincial level before progressing to the national finals, marking a structured return of university sports to Rwanda’s competitive landscape.
