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Refugee inter-camp games in Mahama empower youth and strengthen community bonds
From August 11 to 16, Mahama Refugee Camp hosted the 2025 Refugee Inter-Camp Games, bringing together more than 700 athletes from refugee camps across Rwanda. Organized by the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) in partnership with UNHCR, the tournament provided a platform to showcase talent, foster resilience, and strengthen community cohesion among refugee youth.
The week-long event featured football, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, karate, and sitball. Beyond athletic competition, the games were designed to promote social integration, personal development, and mental well-being among participants. For many young refugees, it offered a space to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from different camps.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ms. Aissatou Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda, highlighted the significance of the tournament in empowering refugees.
“This tournament is more than a competition; it is a platform for young refugees to showcase their talents, build confidence, and strengthen bonds of unity. We encourage all participants to enjoy these opportunities and make the most of the rights and spaces provided by the Government of Rwanda, which remain essential in nurturing hope and empowering communities,” she said.
Mr. Innocent Mugabe, SPIU Coordinator at MINEMA, reaffirmed the Rwanda’s continued support for refugees.
“The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to supporting refugees through inclusive policies and a conducive environment where everyone can thrive. By creating opportunities that foster resilience, self-reliance, and socio-economic integration, we ensure that refugees are not only assisted but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he noted.
For participants, the tournament offered more than sports. Mutesi Irene, a volleyball player from Kigeme Camp, said the games help occupy their time and keep them away from risky behaviours such as drug abuse and prostitution. She added that participation in sports also promotes healthier bodies and minds, giving refugee youth a constructive outlet for energy and creativity.
The Mayor of Kirehe District, Rangira Bruno, commended the organizers for prioritizing refugee inclusion and promised continued support. “We are proud to host these games in Mahama and recognize the talent and potential of refugee youth. The district is committed to ensuring that refugees are included in all sports competitions moving forward, so everyone has the chance to participate and shine,” he said.
While some of the camps emerged with top honours in different sporting categories, the true success of the tournament lay in fostering solidarity, resilience, and empowerment among all participants. The Inter-Camp Games underscored that sports are not just about winning, they are about building hope, nurturing talent, and enabling refugee youth to envision brighter, more self-reliant futures.
Refugee inter-camp games in Mahama empower youth and strengthen community bonds
From August 11 to 16, Mahama Refugee Camp hosted the 2025 Refugee Inter-Camp Games, bringing together more than 700 athletes from refugee camps across Rwanda. Organized by the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) in partnership with UNHCR, the tournament provided a platform to showcase talent, foster resilience, and strengthen community cohesion among refugee youth.
The week-long event featured football, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, karate, and sitball. Beyond athletic competition, the games were designed to promote social integration, personal development, and mental well-being among participants. For many young refugees, it offered a space to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from different camps.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ms. Aissatou Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda, highlighted the significance of the tournament in empowering refugees.
“This tournament is more than a competition; it is a platform for young refugees to showcase their talents, build confidence, and strengthen bonds of unity. We encourage all participants to enjoy these opportunities and make the most of the rights and spaces provided by the Government of Rwanda, which remain essential in nurturing hope and empowering communities,” she said.
Mr. Innocent Mugabe, SPIU Coordinator at MINEMA, reaffirmed the Rwanda’s continued support for refugees.
“The Government of Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to supporting refugees through inclusive policies and a conducive environment where everyone can thrive. By creating opportunities that foster resilience, self-reliance, and socio-economic integration, we ensure that refugees are not only assisted but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he noted.
For participants, the tournament offered more than sports. Mutesi Irene, a volleyball player from Kigeme Camp, said the games help occupy their time and keep them away from risky behaviours such as drug abuse and prostitution. She added that participation in sports also promotes healthier bodies and minds, giving refugee youth a constructive outlet for energy and creativity.
The Mayor of Kirehe District, Rangira Bruno, commended the organizers for prioritizing refugee inclusion and promised continued support. “We are proud to host these games in Mahama and recognize the talent and potential of refugee youth. The district is committed to ensuring that refugees are included in all sports competitions moving forward, so everyone has the chance to participate and shine,” he said.
While some of the camps emerged with top honours in different sporting categories, the true success of the tournament lay in fostering solidarity, resilience, and empowerment among all participants. The Inter-Camp Games underscored that sports are not just about winning, they are about building hope, nurturing talent, and enabling refugee youth to envision brighter, more self-reliant futures.