Bringing together more than 600 Rwandans, distinguished guests including the Lord Mayor and local officials of Coventry, and numerous friends of Rwanda from across the UK, the event aimed to commemorate the historic milestone and promote unity among the Rwandan diaspora.

The festivities commenced with a gripping Liberation Day Cup football match featuring the London Rwandan Community’s team, Intwari FC, competing against the hosts, the West Midlands Rwandan Community represented by Ntugasaze FC. In an exhilarating showdown, the London community emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, earning them the prestigious Liberation Cup trophy.

The High Commissioner, Johnston Busingye praised both teams, emphasizing that "the real winner is the Rwandan community." Encouraged by the enthusiastic response, the Community pledged to establish this football match as an annual liberation tradition, fostering even stronger bonds among Rwandan communities in the UK.

The evening reception treated the audience to a captivating array of performances, including inspirational speeches, traditional dance routines, poetic recitals by talented youth, and delectable Rwandan cuisine, which added a touch of cultural richness to the celebration.

In his address, High Commissioner Johnston Busingye reminded everyone present of the sacrifices made by the nation’s heroes and heroines in the struggle for liberation. He urged the Rwandan community to continually honor their legacy by remaining steadfast in their commitment to the cause of liberation. Emphasizing the significance of unity, he underscored its pivotal role in Rwanda’s past and future, as the country had paid a heavy price for past divisions.

Expressing gratitude for the vital role played by Rwandan communities abroad in the ongoing liberation journey, the High Commissioner called upon them to take up their responsibilities with unwavering determination. He encouraged them to invest in Rwanda, take on leadership roles in their communities, actively involve the youth, and embody the cherished values that define Rwanda’s spirit.

The Kwibohora29 celebration in Coventry served not only as a time for rejoicing and reflection but also as a symbol of the resilient Rwandan community’s dedication to progress, unity, and the pursuit of liberation. With the establishment of the annual Liberation Football Cup, the community in the UK has set a powerful precedent for fostering togetherness and cultural pride among Rwandans abroad, and it promises to be a cherished tradition for generations to come.