Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB) will host the 16th edition of the Memorial Kayumba tournament from March 7–8, with this year’s event introducing traditional games alongside the usual sporting competitions. The annual tournament is organised in honour of former school headmaster Emmanuel Kayumba, who passed away in 2009. Kayumba, widely respected for his passion for volleyball and dedication to the school popularly known as Indatwa n’Inkesha, inspired the launch of the competition in 2010 to celebrate his legacy. The event traditionally brings together top volleyball teams from Rwanda’s first division, both senior and junior, while also featuring cycling and swimming contests. This year’s edition carries additional significance with the introduction of traditional games. According to school headmaster Charles Hakizimana, organisers have added Igisoro, a popular board game widely played in Huye District and across Rwanda. “We have included a new category of traditional games, including igisoro, which is very popular among residents of Huye District and across the country. It will add more flavour to the competition,” Hakizimana said. He noted that the tournament continues to grow each year, attracting more teams and sports enthusiasts from different parts of the country. “The competition is growing every year. We already have many participating teams, including new ones from different parts of the country. We are pleased that top volleyball players and sports lovers will join this event. Introducing Igisoro will further strengthen the tournament,” he added. Participating Teams In the men’s first division category, participating teams include REG VC, Gisagara VC, APR VC, Kirehe VC, IPRC Ngoma VC, IPRC Musanze VC, Kigali Volleyball Club, East African University Rwanda VC and Kepler VC. The women’s category will feature seven teams: APR WVC, Rwanda Revenue Authority VC, Kepler WVC, IPRC Kigali WVC, Ruhango WVC, Police WVC and EAUR WVC. The junior boys’ competition will include teams from schools such as Collège du Christ Roi Nyanza, Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis, the University of Rwanda, GS St Joseph Kabgayi, Nyaruguru VC, Rusumo High School, Gitisi, C.St. Ignace Mugina, Nyanza TSS (Eto Gitarama), APE Rugunga, GS Kabare and Gisagara VC. Most matches will be played on the courts of Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare. In case of rain, Gisagara Gymnasium and the University of Rwanda Huye campus will serve as alternative venues. During the 2025 edition, Gisagara VC won the men’s title, while APR WVC lifted the women’s trophy.
