A football tournament named after the Nyungwe Colobus cup, one of the endangered animal species found in Nyungwe National Park, has concluded with a strong message about environmental conservation and the importance of strengthening relations between the park and surrounding communities.
The tournament, organized by the management of Nyungwe National Park, brought together football teams from 24 sectors bordering the park. Launched in July 2026, the competition concluded on August 16 in an event marked by celebration, sportsmanship and messages encouraging communities to take an active role in protecting the park and its biodiversity.
In the men’s competition, Uwinkingi Sector in Nyamagabe District emerged as the champion after defeating Nkungu Sector of Rusizi District 1–0 in the final.
In the women’s competition, Mahembe Sector in Nyamasheke District won the title after a convincing 4–0 victory over Ruheru Sector of Nyaruguru District. Each team that won the tournament received a cash prize of Rwf 300,000.
According to Kabalisa Jean Prosper, who is responsible for relations with communities surrounding Nyungwe National Park and monitoring their welfare, the choice of the Colobus as the tournament’s name was intentional and carried an important conservation message.
“We named the tournament after the Colobus cup because it is one of the animals found in Nyungwe National Park and is among the species facing a risk of extinction. It also has a positive relationship with local communities because it does not usually enter people’s farms in search of food. This demonstrates the kind of peaceful coexistence that can exist between the park and the communities living around it.”He said
Kabalisa explained that the tournament was not organized solely for entertainment. It was also designed as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of protecting Nyungwe National Park.
“We organize these competitions to give communities living around Nyungwe an opportunity to enjoy themselves, while also creating a platform through which we can deliver messages about protecting the park. “He said.
The park management is calling on residents to continue playing an active role in its protection and to avoid activities that could damage the ecosystem. Among the concerns highlighted is the practice of setting fires in the park while attempting to access beehives and harvest honey.
Jean Leon Kubwimana, a resident of Kitabi Sector, which borders Nyungwe National Park, protecting the park is closely linked to protecting the livelihoods and future of surrounding communities.
“Nyungwe is very important to us because tourists who visit the park bring foreign currency into the country, and this benefits communities living around it. There are also development projects in our areas that are supported by revenue generated from tourism.”He said
He believes residents need to understand that protecting Nyungwe is not simply a responsibility imposed on them, but an investment in their own well-being and the development of their communities.
Thadee Habimana, Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of economic development, also urged communities living around Nyungwe to consider the park a valuable shared asset and actively participate in its protection.
He explained that tourism revenue generated by Nyungwe contributes to the development of districts bordering the park and helps finance projects that directly benefit local residents.
“Revenue generated by tourists visiting Nyungwe National Park is shared with the districts bordering the park and contributes to the construction of infrastructure that benefits communities,” he said.
He cited ongoing development projects in Nyamagabe District as an example, noting that more than Rwf 268 million is being invested in the construction of schools in Kitabi Sector.
The Nyungwe National Park management and local authorities emphasize that strong cooperation between communities and government institutions is essential for protecting biodiversity while ensuring that the economic benefits generated by tourism continue to reach people living around the park.
Beyond promoting football and bringing communities together, the Nyungwe Park Colobus Tournament served as an important awareness platform. It reinforced the message that protecting Nyungwe National Park is a shared responsibility and that the benefits generated by its conservation should continue to contribute to the well-being and development of the communities living around it.
