For the first time, Rwanda is going to host the fourth Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) games edition slated for March 21-27, in Kigali. The fourth edition was supposed to be held in 2020 but it was suspended following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The week-long interforce tournament will attract participants in 13 sports disciplines, from 8 EAPCCO member countries. In a press conference held at the National Police headquarters Friday, March 17, the Rwanda National Police has revealed that everything is in place for the tournament to commence. CP Bruce Munyambo, the Director of the Police Department for Police-Community Relations told the press that all participating athletes come from eight countries which confirmed their participation. He said, “1,114 athletes will compete in 13 games and 83 teams from eight countries. Rwanda is ready to host the EAPCCO Games fourth edition.” Participating countries include Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Rwanda. They will be represented in 13 sports disciplines including football, handball, netball, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, athletics, darts, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, boxing and shooting. Police Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, called on all Rwandans to participate in these games so that everyone can watch them. Entrance to follow all the EAPCCO Games will be free of charge. These are the RNP teams but they are also representing the country. We call upon Rwandans to come and support their teams,” CP Kabera said. The opening ceremony will take place at Kigali Pelé Stadium' and the closing and awarding ceremony will be held at BK Arena. The EAPCCO Games are organized to not only strengthen Police cooperation in fighting transnational organized crime but to also promote talents of Police officers and enhance community policing among Police organizations by sharing the best practices and experiences. The maiden EAPCCO Games were held in 2017 in Uganda, Tanzania hosted the second edition in 2018 and the third edition was held in Kenya in 2019. During the third edition, Rwanda came second after Kenya in general rankings, with 46 medals including 27 gold medals, six silver and 13 bronze. The EAPCCO is a regional police body bringing together 14 member countries.
