News detail

Kigali, 31 January 2026

The 2025–2026 RDF Inter-Force Sports Competition concluded today with an exciting final football showdown at Kigali Pélé Stadium.

The men’s final featured a tightly contested match between the Republican Guard and the Special Operations Force (SOF), while the women’s final pitted the Military Police against the Air Force.

The tournament was held as part of activities leading up to the National Heroes’ Day celebrations on 1 February 2026.

In the men’s category, the Republican Guard emerged victorious with 1–0 win over SOF. In the women’s final, the Military Police claimed a hard-fought 3–2 victory against the Air Force.

The event was graced by the Minister of Defence, Hon. Juvenal MARIZAMUNDA, who attended as Guest of Honour, the State Minister of Sports, Hon. Rwego Ngarambe, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General MK Mubarakh.

Also present were other government officials, RDF generals, senior officers, other ranks, members of other security organs, representatives from the football community, and members of the general public.

Attendees were treated to entertainment by artists Maria Yohana and Muyango Mitari as part of the Heroes’ Day celebrations.

In his remarks, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda emphasized the importance of the Inter-Force Competition, noting its role in promoting physical fitness, cohesion, comradeship, morale, and a winning spirit within the Rwanda Defence Force.

The RDF Inter-Force Sports Competition began at unit level in December 2025 and featured both men and women competing across various disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, netball, athletics, and shooting.

Winners in other disciplines:
•Basketball: RMA - GAKO
•Volleyball: RG
•Handball: SOF
•Netball: MP BDE
•Shooting: BMTC - NASHO
•Best Shooter: Sgt Kayihura Kennedy
•Best Shooter with Pistol: Sgt Kayihura Kennedy
•Athletics: 5000m: Sgt Tuyishime Christophe in Men and in Women Pte Nyiransibimana Ciliane
3000m: S/Sgt Sebahire Eric in Men and Pete Akarabo Josiane in women
100m: Pte Asifiwe Geoffrey in Men and Officer Cadet Umuhoza Martine in Women