Rwanda Amputee Football federation (RAFA), has Launched sports football matches ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025
The RAFA, announced that the series of nationwide amputee football matches will take place in Nyabibu District, Western Province ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December 2025.
The matches are aimed at raising awareness, promoting disability inclusion, and supporting national preparations for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with special focus on strengthening inclusion in rural communities.
RAFA President, Audace Rugwiro said “As we approach IDPD 2025, we want every Rwandan to recognize the strength and abilities of our amputee footballers. Through these matches, we are demonstrating that inclusion must be lived in all communities. We call upon partners and stakeholders to work with us to ensure no person with a disability is left behind.”
This year, the Government will distribute 372 wheelchairs and various assistive devices, including equipment for 272 learners, as part of efforts to translate inclusive policies into measurable action.
Vice President for Administration & Awareness, Louis KWIZERA added that awareness is not a one-day activity. Our matches bring disability issues to the forefront and encourage communities to confront stigma. For inclusion to be real, it must be supported by accessibility, participation, and continuous advocacy.
In highlighting this challenge, the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) also started, “If you see someone crawling when they should have a wheelchair, that is negligence.”
According to the 2022 National Census, Rwanda counts 391,775 persons aged five and above living with disabilities, representing 3.4% of the population. Prevalence is higher in rural areas at3.7 per cent compared to urban areas at 2.8 per cent. Visual impairments prevalence stands at 1.4 per cent and mobility challenges (1.1 per cent) are among the most common disabilities.
Despite progress, many individuals remain unregistered or disconnected from essential services, limiting their access to education, health care, assistive devices, and social protection.
Through its new awareness campaign, RAFA is leveraging amputee football as a tool to promote visibility, challenge stigma, and drive community-level dialogue about disability rights.
The series of matches will be held in districts across the country leading up to IDPD 2025. The events aim to showcase the talent and resilience of amputee athletes while encouraging families, institutions, and local authorities to support inclusive sports and accessibility initiatives.
According to the 2022 National Census, Rwanda counts 391,775 persons aged five and above living with disabilities, representing 3.4 per cent of the population. Prevalence is higher in rural areas 3.7 per cent compared to urban areas (2.8%). Visual impairments (1.4 per cent) and mobility challenges (1.1 per cent) are among the most common disabilities.
The RAFA promotes amputee football as a tool for rehabilitation, empowerment, and social inclusion. The association also works to support amputee footballers, raise awareness on disability rights, and strengthen community engagement through sports.
