Rwanda Concludes Africa Leg of the King's Baton Relay Journey for Glasgow 2026

This Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Commonwealth Games Association of Rwanda (CGA Rwanda), in collaboration with the British High Commission, the British Council, the Ministry of Sports, and FERWABA joined the community of Rubavu District to celebrate the King's Baton Relay (KBR) for the fourth time in Rwanda.

The Glasgow 2026 King's Baton began its journey at Buckingham Palace on March 10, 2025, when His Majesty King Charles III placed a message inside to be carried across all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories before returning to Glasgow for the official opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

In line with the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, CGA Rwanda and its partners led a clean-up and tree-planting activity along the shores of Lake Kivu, aligning with Rwanda's monthly community work, Umuganda. The celebrations also featured a 3x3 Basketball Interschool Tournament, where Collège Inyemeramihigo (girls) and Gacuba II (boys) emerged as champions.

The Baton was proudly carried by Rwandan athletes Eric Muhoza (cycling) and Claire Uwitonze (athletics); both represented Rwanda at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

During the #KBR2026 celebrations, several dignitaries shared inspiring remarks:

The British High Commissioner, H.E. Alison Thorpe, expressed her delight at the strong community participation and joined in planting trees. She noted that the design elements chosen for Rwanda's Baton — Amahoro Stadium, the Kigali Convention Centre, Gorillas, and Cycling — symbolize the nation's resilience and remarkable progress since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

CGA Rwanda President, Ms. Alice Umulinga, said:

"The performances we witnessed today are a testament to our readiness to make an impact at Glasgow 2026. I encourage you all to keep training hard and continuously improve your performance, so that one day we can see you shine on global stages."

She added that the King's Baton carries a special message for Rwanda — a single yet powerful word: "Talent."

"This message aligns perfectly with the Government of Rwanda's agenda and our sports ecosystem's vision to empower young people. That's why we decided to bring the Baton to the youth through interschool competitions — the ideal platform to identify and nurture emerging talent."

Ms. Umulinga further expressed appreciation to all partners:

"As the Rwanda Commonwealth Games Association, we sincerely thank the Ministry of Sports, British High Commission, British Council, Western Province, and Rubavu District for their continued support in making this year's KBR celebration a success. We look forward to working together as we prepare Team Rwanda for Glasgow 2026, while promoting the values and principles of the Commonwealth through sport."

Mr. Fabrice Uwayo, representing the Ministry of Sports, commended the young participants:

"You have represented your schools with great spirit and determination. Let this same energy guide you as you grow in your sporting careers. Dream big, push your limits, and make Rwanda proud, just as today's Baton Bearers have done."

Hon. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, reflected on his own sporting background and congratulated the participants:

"Stay disciplined, persistent, and never give up in pursuit of your dreams. Success in sport and in life requires consistency and resilience."

This year marks the fourth time the King's (formerly Queen's) Baton has visited Rwanda, following previous editions in 2014, 2017, and 2021, since the country joined the Commonwealth Games community in 2010.

Rwanda's #KBR2026 celebration also marked the conclusion of the Baton's journey across Africa. Next, the Baton continues to Asia, as the Relay travels through all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games — a true celebration of unity, diversity, and the shared values of the Commonwealth.