Camp Kigali hosted the closing ceremony of the national competitions for traditional dance and poetry, bringing together 10 dance troupes and 11 poets from higher education institutions across Rwanda.
In the poetry category, participants were evaluated by a panel including Munezero Ferdinard, Murekatete Claudine, Niyitegeka Gratien, Carine Maniraguha, and Musabeyezu Théogene.
The traditional dance performances were judged by Murayire Protais, Nahimana Serge, Bazatsinda Thomas, Aline Sangwa Kayigemera, and Edmond Cyogere.
The first-place dance troupe, Indangamuco from the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, received seven million Rwandan francs. Impuruza from East African University Rwanda came second with five million, and Inyamibwa from KIST took third.
In poetry, Iradukunda Oscar of the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, won two million francs. Manishimwe Triphonie of the University of Rwanda, Nyagatare Campus, received one million, and Nshimiyimana Bernard of Muhabura Polytechnic earned 700,000.
Special awards recognized Cyuzuzo as best dancer, Felix as best singer, Bwimba as best traditional performer, and Isimbi for overall excellence, each receiving 200,000 francs.
State Secretary Mutoni Sandrine of the Ministry of Youth and Arts praised universities for supporting participants with logistics and resources. She emphasized that the competitions aim to cultivate appreciation for Rwandan culture and arts while encouraging youth to showcase their talents.
