President Kagame has frequently highlighted several concerns as reasons for distancing himself from attending local football games, labeling them as “primitive” practices that impede the growth of the sport. He has been particularly vocal about corruption and the use of witchcraft in football, issues he believes undermine the sport’s integrity and development.
During the 2024 National Dialogue, known as ‘Umushyikirano,’ Kagame expressed his frustration, stating, “The reason I stopped watching football games was partly because of corruption and witchcraft in tournaments. I can’t be part of that.” This remark underscored his disapproval of how such practices continue to tarnish the sport in Rwanda.
Kagame’s concerns about the state of football in the country are not new. In August 2023, he criticized officials for prioritizing witchcraft over genuine efforts to strengthen their teams. He argued that instead of channeling resources into the proper development of football clubs, some officials were engaging in dubious activities that had no place in modern sports. This criticism was a continuation of his long-standing discontent with the way football is managed in the country.
Earlier, in July 2023, Kagame called upon football authorities to address key issues plaguing the sport, including bribery, lack of professionalism, and manipulation of referees. He cautioned that unless these challenges were resolved, he would be compelled to step in and ensure the necessary improvements were made. His warning highlighted his desire to see a cleaner, more transparent, and professional football environment in Rwanda.
Kagame’s repeated calls for reform reflect his broader commitment to ensuring that football, a sport beloved by many, thrives in an environment free from corruption and unethical behavior. His stance indicates that he views football as not just a game but a platform that should promote discipline, integrity, and development, qualities that are essential for the sport to flourish both locally and internationally.
As such, Kagame’s decision to distance himself from attending football games serves as a strong message to those involved in managing the sport. His unwavering insistence on reform emphasizes that without addressing these core issues, the development of football in Rwanda will remain stunted.
Kagame on numerous occasions cited these issues as reasons for stepping back from attending games, calling them “primitive” practices that hinder the sport’s development.
“The reason I stopped watching football games was partly because of corruption and witchcraft in tournaments. I can’t be part of that,” he said during the 2024 National Dialogue ‘Umushyikirano’ in January.
The head of state had previously raised the same concerns in August 2023, when he slammed officials who spent money on witchcraft rather than investing in their teams’ proper development.
In July 2023, Kagame urged football officials to address issues such as bribery, unprofessionalism, and referee manipulation, warning that if these problems were not resolved, he would weigh in to ensure improvement in various aspects.
