Rwandan President Paul Kagame has cited witchcraft as one of the reasons he does not watch local football matches.

During the "Umushyikirano" national dialogue in Kigali on Wednesday, Rwanda's leader stated that local football had been marred by witchcraft and corruption.

Kagame, who last attended a football game in 2016, stated that he will participate in future tournaments only if they are free of vices.

"I stopped watching football games partly because of corruption and witchcraft in tournaments. I can't be part of that because it is primitive. Once it changes, I will frequent them again," Kagame said, as quoted by The New Times publication. 


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In August 2023, Kagame chastised those ruining local football games by engaging in witchcraft and corruption. He stated that such actions would harm the country's progress, particularly in sports.

"Witchcraft is primitive. You should not accept it. If they go to competitions with only this in mind, that's why they always come back with failure. You must only be absolutely foolish because if you tried something so many times and it doesn't work, why do you keep repeating it and make it a habit?" he noted then. 


During the Umushyikirano, Amavubi assistant coach Jimmy Mulisa urged the Head of State to reconsider his decision.

"I remember back in the days, you used to come and support us. Some might know that Rwanda recently beat South Africa, and we are going to a very nice stadium; we would like to see you back," Mulisa said.