By Emmanuel Patrick Laku
Rwanda President Paul Kagame has continued to support the CECAFA Kagame Cup with cash prizes for participating teams since 2002, according to CECAFA Head of Marketing and Communication Andrew Jackson.
Jackson made the remarks during the official draw ceremony for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup held at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
He praised President Kagame’s commitment to football development and his contribution to keeping the regional competition competitive and attractive.
“Ladies and gentlemen, remember there are cash prizes for the champions, the runners-up, and the third best. Our patron, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Gen. Paul Kagame, has supported with cash prizes since 2002,” Jackson said.
“We need to thank him again because it doesn't come easy to have a president who loves sport, who loves football. So we say thank you very much,” he added.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup remains one of the oldest club competitions in Africa, bringing together top teams from the East and Central African region.
The 2026 edition will be held in Kigali, where clubs will compete for the regional title and the tournament’s prize package backed by the competition’s patron.
