On Sunday, May 5 in Rubavu district, the 2024 Umurenge Kagame Cup came to a close, leaving Rubengera sector’s football team in men and Murunda football in women crowned champions.

Umurenge Kagame Cup competitions are sports competitions that bring together all Sectors countrywide, in which the best Sectors represent their districts, and then their Provinces or the City of Kigali, before the winners meet at the national level for final competitions and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Local Government and Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).

The two-day event engaged athletes across eight disciplines, from football, volleyball, high jump to cycling and Igisoro among others.

In two final matches that took place at Umuganda Stadium, Rubengera sector defeated Kimonyi sector’s team from Musanze 2-0 to lift the men’s title, while Murunda of Rutsiro district overcame Mahembe of Nyamasheke 2-0 to win the women’s trophy.

In his speech closing the tournament, Minister of Local Government, Hon. Jean Claude Musabyimana saluted the hard work done by players, organisers, and the fans who attended the games from sector to national level.

"The purpose of this tournament was to celebrate 30 years of citizens’ centered governance" Musabyimana said.

Minister Musabyimana emphasised that the tournament also serves as a platform for young, aspiring athletes to demonstrate their skills and achieve their dreams.

In her remarks, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the CEO of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), praised Rwanda's unique approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue between leaders and citizens.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that our citizens are healthy and happy, and this tournament attains both objectives," said.

Dr. Usta also noted that the future editions of the Umurenge Kagame Cup will be better and bigger.

This years’ edition came with a special award given to the Best Combative Player of the tournament which was awarded to a 67-year-old Rosette Mukamutana, who played for Rulindo's basketball team.

After receiving the award, Mukamana, who was also the oldest player in the tournament, expressed her joy demonstrating that age is not a barrier to sports, health, and connecting with fellow Rwandans. "This tournament was truly remarkable, with great competition and friendship” she said.