On May 10, 2025, Alice Umulinga was unanimously elected as the first female President of the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sports history. The election took place during the Elective General Assembly at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, where all 50 eligible voters endorsed her leadership for the 2025-2028 term.
Umulinga’s journey within the RNOSC has been marked by progressive leadership roles. She served as First Vice President from 2021 to 2022 and stepped in as Acting President in 2022 following the departure of her predecessor. Her unanimous election reflects a collective confidence in her vision and commitment to advancing Rwandan sports.
In her acceptance speech, Umulinga emphasized a commitment to athlete-centered governance, transparency, and Rwanda’s prominence on the global sporting stage. She stated, “Our top priority is to create an environment where athletes come first, governance is transparent, and Rwanda earn its rightful place on the global sporting stage”.
Under her leadership, the RNOSC plans to undertake significant projects, including the construction of a new headquarters and Olympic Training Center. The committee will also oversee preparationa for major international competitions such as the Dakar 2026; Youth Olympic Games, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Umulinga’s election not only breaks gender barriers but also signifies a progressive step towards inclusive and sustainable sports governance in Rwanda.