The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup, which kicks off in Kigali on July 24 and runs until August 7, will see several familiar faces return to Rwanda after making their names in the local league.

Among the clubs with players who previously featured in the Rwandan league is Djibouti's Garde Républicaine, who are in Group A alongside APR FC, Vipers SC and Gor Mahia.

Garde Républicaine is home to Patrick Sibomana, the former APR FC, Isonga FC, Mukura VS and Police FC winger. After leaving Rwanda, he played in Belarus, Tanzania, Kenya and Libya, and could now come up against his former club, APR.

The side also includes Ghanaian attacker Boateng Mensah Agyenim, who registered six goals and six assists for Mukura VS during the 2024/25 season, while former Amavubi player Yussuf Tchami Kayihura serves as strength and conditioning coach.

Muhire leads Jamus SC

South Sudan champions Jamus SC feature former Rayon Sports captain Kevin Muhire, who remains a popular figure among the club's supporters. Since leaving Rwanda in 2025, the attacking midfielder has become a key player for Jamus while retaining his place in the Amavubi squad.

The club's technical staff also includes Rwandans Jean Niyonkuru and Fabrice Tuyizere.

Vipers and Tusker reunions

Ugandan champions Vipers SC have three former Police FC players in defender Ashraf Mandela, left-back Derrick Ndahiro and Nigerian winger Chukwuma Odili, all of whom could face APR FC in Group A.

Kenya's Tusker FC also arrive with familiar names. Head coach Julien Mette, who managed Rayon Sports during the 2024/25 season, returns to Kigali alongside Nigerian striker Victor Mbaoma, who helped APR FC win the league title before moving abroad.