The 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup has officially been declared open after CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam launched the tournament during the pre-competition press conference held at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of East and Central Africa’s premier club football competition, with 12 top clubs from across the region set to compete for the prestigious CECAFA Kagame Cup title from July 24 to August 7.
Speaking during the press conference, Andemariam praised Rwanda for its commitment to sports development and revealed that the country has expressed interest in hosting the next three editions of the tournament.
Rwanda seeks long-term hosting rights.
According to the CECAFA President, Rwanda’s modern sporting infrastructure and proven ability to organize major international events make it a strong candidate to continue hosting the regional championship.
He noted that the successful renovation of facilities such as Amahoro Stadium, coupled with the country’s experience in staging continental and global sporting events, provides an ideal environment for the growth of the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Should the proposal be approved, Rwanda would host the tournament for the next three consecutive editions, further strengthening its reputation as one of Africa’s leading sports destinations.
Regional giants ready for battle
The 2026 tournament features 12 clubs divided into three groups, with each team aiming to lift one of the region’s most prestigious club trophies.
Group A comprises hosts APR FC of Rwanda, Uganda’s Vipers SC, Kenyan giants Gor Mahia FC, and Djibouti’s Garde Républicaine FC.
Group B features defending champions Singida Black Stars of Tanzania, fellow Tanzanian side Simba SC, Jamus SC of South Sudan, and Mogadishu City Club from Somalia.
Group C includes Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal SC, Rwanda’s Rayon Sports FC, Kenya’s Tusker FC, and Zanzibar’s KVZ FC.
Under the tournament format, the winners of each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the semi-finals. They will be joined by the best-performing runner-up across all groups to complete the last four.
Matches will be staged at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium, with the semi-finals scheduled for August 4 before the third-place playoff and final take place on August 7.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup also serves as an important competitive platform for clubs preparing for the upcoming CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.
With the tournament now officially underway, football fans across East and Central Africa can look forward to two weeks of exciting action as the region’s finest clubs battle for continental bragging rights in Kigali.
