Rwanda’s media and sports fraternity is mourning the death of Fidèle Kajugiro Sebarinda, a pioneering sports journalist and long‑serving broadcaster with Radio Rwanda, who passed away on Saturday, June 13, after a long illness. His passing marks the end of an era in Rwandan broadcasting, taking with it the voice and talent of a man who helped shape sports journalism at a time when the profession relied more on passion and ingenuity than technology. A pioneer of sports broadcasting Sebarinda was among the founders of the iconic Radio Rwanda sports programme Urubuga rw’Imikino, launched under the former Office Rwandais d’Information (ORINFOR), now the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA). At a time when the programme aired for just 15 minutes, Sebarinda and his colleagues — Yves Bucyana, Marcel Rutagarama, Titien Mbangukila, Eddy Rwema, and the late Jean Lambert Gatare and Gaspard Rwakana — laid the foundations of professional sports journalism in Rwanda. Despite limited resources and rudimentary equipment, the team delivered insightful, disciplined, and credible sports reporting that resonated with listeners across the country. Within the newsroom, Sebarinda was known by the pseudonym “SKAF.” He earned deep respect for his professionalism, sobriety, and technical mastery. Passion beyond technology In an era without the internet, Sebarinda’s commitment to staying informed was remarkable. At his own expense, he subscribed to international sports publications, including the French magazine Le Onze. Each month, he would visit the post office to collect the magazines, which became essential reference material for his broadcasts. True to his generous nature, he shared them freely with colleagues — gently reminding them, in his calm but firm manner: “Don’t tear it. Bring it back when you’re done.” A model of objectivity On air, Sebarinda was renowned for his articulate and composed commentary in Kinyarwanda, particularly in football and basketball. His sports knowledge, however, extended far beyond the microphone. A passionate volleyball enthusiast, he served at various times as a referee, coach, and owner of the women’s volleyball club Les Colombes. After leaving ORINFOR, he continued his service to sport at the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSR), where he worked until recently. Though he was a known supporter of Mukura Victory Sports and a volleyball club manager, Sebarinda never allowed personal loyalties to influence his work. “On air, no one ever heard him express support for his favourite team,” recalled Marcel Rutagarama, a former colleague. “His objectivity and neutrality were absolute.” A life of discipline and faith Away from journalism, Sebarinda lived a quiet and disciplined life. A devout Catholic and longtime resident of Nyamirambo, he rarely missed the 5 p.m. Sunday Mass, whether at Saint Michael’s Parish near his workplace or Saint Charles Lwanga Parish near his home. Much of his free time was devoted to reading, following sports news, and watching matches — a routine that continually sharpened his expertise and enriched his broadcasts. Tributes from colleagues and community Tributes have poured in from journalists, sports administrators and former neighbours, all remembering a man defined by humility, rigour and integrity. Jean Butoyi, a former colleague, described him as a professional whose discipline was matched only by his discretion. “We have lost a great journalist, a brother, and a man of duty. Calm, kind and always smiling, he taught more through action than words. He spoke little, but accomplished much,” Butoyi said. Others in the sports world echoed similar sentiments, calling him one of Rwanda’s finest sports commentators. A former neighbour from Kigarama, near the current Stade Pelé, recalled Sebarinda as “a dignified man who lived simply and honourably.”
