The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup will be hosted in Rwanda from 24 July to 7 August 2026, bringing together the top clubs from East and Central Africa for the region’s premier club competition.
Ahead of the tournament’s kickoff, CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam addressed the media during a pre-event press conference held at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
During the briefing, Andemariam expressed his appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Sports (MINISPORTS), and to FERWAFA for their commitment and investment in organizing the competition.
“I would like to thank the Government of Rwanda, MINISPORTS, and FERWAFA for the excellent preparations. Their commitment demonstrates the importance they attach to football development and regional integration through sport,” he said.
Representing FERWAFA President and CECAFA Executive Committee member Fabrice Shema, who was unable to attend the event, FERWAFA Second Vice President Richard Mugisha reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the tournament.
“Hosting international sporting events successfully is natural and normal for Rwanda. We want to do the same with the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026, while also honoring the commitment of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, who has been the tournament’s main sponsor for many years,” Mugisha said.
“The participation of major clubs that have not regularly featured in the competition reflects the trust stakeholders have in Rwanda’s ability to organize world-class events. We call upon football fans to fill the stadiums and enjoy the beautiful game.”
One of the key highlights of the press conference was the revelation that Rwanda is interested in hosting the next three editions of the CECAFA Kagame Cup consecutively.
Responding to questions from journalists, CECAFA President Andemariam confirmed that such a possibility exists, although the decision will follow the federation’s established hosting selection procedures.
“The process must follow the normal procedures for selecting a host country. CECAFA has 12 member associations, and whenever a country expresses interest and demonstrates the capacity to host successfully, the Executive Committee evaluates the bid and takes a decision,” he explained.
“Rwanda has excellent infrastructure, including this Amahoro Stadium, and has consistently delivered high-quality events. Therefore, it is possible, but any official decision will be announced at the appropriate time.”
The CECAFA President also praised Rwanda’s growing role as a regional football hub, noting that the country will host three different CECAFA competitions within the remaining months of 2026.
These include the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026, the CAF Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, and the CECAFA U-17 AFCON Qualifiers, both scheduled for August.
A total of 12 clubs from nine countries will compete in this year’s CECAFA Kagame Cup. Rwanda will be represented by APR FC and Rayon Sports FC.
The tournament officially kicks off on Friday, 24 July, at Amahoro Stadium. In the opening fixture, Vipers SC of Uganda will face Garde Républicaine FC of Djibouti at 3:00 PM, before APR FC takes on Gor Mahia FC of Kenya at 7:00 PM.