The Gap in Musanze’s Urban Development: Lack of a Modern Sports Stadium

1 week ago TOPAFRICANEWS

The swift development of Musanze City continues to impress many, marked by the emergence of high-rise buildings in the city center, expanded modern road networks, luxurious hotels both within the city and on its outskirts, and large to medium-sized factories in the Kimonyi industrial zone.

However, one sector seems to have lagged behind: sports and entertainment. Residents and visitors alike frequently express disappointment over the lack of adequate facilities for sports and recreation. Notably, Musanze remains the only district in the country without a modern sports stadium.

This issue was highlighted during the “RBA Hafi Yawe” outreach event held on October 29, 2025, in Byangabo center. Attendees emphasized the urgent need for a new, modern stadium, asserting that such infrastructure would enhance local sports competitiveness and improve the performance of Musanze FC, the district’s top football team competing in Rwanda’s premier league.

The Need to Relocate the 40-Year-Old Stadium

Those familiar with Musanze from previous decades recall the existing stadium, named “Ubworoherane” , which was constructed in 1984 by a Chinese company also involved in building the Musanze–Cyanika road. Initially, it comprised a basic football field, a small tribune with seating for fewer than 1,000 spectators, and a simple canteen. It lacked essential facilities such as dressing rooms, floodlights, and sufficient parking.

Over the past four decades, the stadium has seen minimal improvements, aside from the addition of basketball and volleyball courts and occasional fencing repairs. Meanwhile, since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the surrounding area has experienced significant growth. The construction of government and private institutions—the Police Training School, Judiciary Complex housing the Musanze Intermediate and High Courts, the Pension Plaza with the University of Kigali (UoK) campus, and various RSSB services—has transformed the neighborhood. These developments are within 300 meters of Ruhengeri Hospital, underscoring the urgent need to move the stadium from the increasingly crowded city center.

Musanze Vice Mayor for Social Affairs explained that, although other districts have completed or are nearing the completion of modern stadiums—such as those in Byumba, Ngoma, and Rutsiro, with Muhanga’s renovation also almost finished—Musanze has faced delays for various reasons. Nevertheless, she assured the public that the district leadership is aware and has considered multiple proposals for relocating the stadium.

According to the Musanze City Master Plan, all sports and entertainment facilities are to be developed on land above INES Ruhengeri, specifically in Gakoro Village, Rwambogo Cell, Musanze Sector. When asked about the timeline for the project, especially considering the current state of Ubworoherane Stadium which could be shut down at any time by FERWAFA, the Vice Mayor stated that preparations are underway to accelerate the process. Meanwhile, a private investor has established a fully equipped football field near INES, which can serve as a temporary venue during construction.

Environmental and Urban Planning Considerations

Many of these facilities require a tranquil environment. The current stadium’s location amidst busy, noisy surroundings causes significant disturbances for nearby residents and workers. More critically, the loud noise negatively impacts patients at nearby health facilities, particularly those with heart conditions who are sensitive to loud sounds.

Moreover, with Musanze’s rapid growth and increasing vehicle traffic, congestion has become a major concern, complicating security arrangements during events, especially football matches. Large crowds also exert pressure on the environment, damaging the city’s flowers and trees that have been planted around the stadium.

Future Outlook: A Better Tomorrow for Musanze

The planned relocation to land near INES Ruhengeri promises to bring positive changes. Building the new stadium in this area will facilitate urban expansion, making development accessible to neighborhoods once considered rural or peripheral.

Proper urban planning principles dictate that sports stadiums are best constructed in less congested areas with good road access, away from vital infrastructure. Such a location ensures peace, security, and optimal land use, making the new site for Ubworoherane Stadium a well-considered and suitable choice for the future of Musanze.

By Libos NDAYISHIMIYE