The decision to appoint Murenzi Abdallah as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rayon Sports and have him assume office this month has been strongly opposed by several stakeholders, including the club’s president, Twagirayezu Thaddée.
This disagreement dominated a meeting held on Wednesday evening, September 10, 2025, at B-Hotel in Nyarutarama, bringing together various leadership organs of the Rayon Sports Association.
The meeting, convened by the club’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Emile Rwagacondo, aimed to review the outcomes of the General Assembly held on September 7, 2025, and to discuss how each leadership organ would implement its resolutions.
One key agenda item was the confirmation of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Rayon Sports, an issue previously raised during the General Assembly at Kigali Serena Hotel.
The resolution from the September 7 meeting stated that: “Members who attended the General Assembly approved that the Board of Directors will appoint the CEO after consultations with the Executive Committee, then provide him with responsibilities and a contract of employment.”
However, this resolution was challenged by Rayon Sports President Twagirayezu Thaddée, who insisted that the agreement was clear: “The Board of Directors will only appoint the CEO after consultations with the Executive Committee, and this must happen once the revised statutes have been officially approved.”
At the Wednesday meeting—attended by eight of the nine Board members (except Uwayezu Jean Fidèle), three members of the Executive Committee, two of the three members of the Advisory Committee, and three from the Audit Committee—Murenzi Abdallah was put forward as the candidate to take up the CEO role.
A source present told IGIHE that Dr. Emile Claude Rwagacondo, who chaired the meeting, argued that appointing a CEO urgently was necessary to support the Executive Committee, especially following the concerns raised during the General Assembly.
The urgency was also fueled by the recent resignations of two key Executive Committee members—Second Vice President Ngoga Roger and Treasurer Rukundo Patrick—leaving leadership gaps. The Board also sought to expedite the recruitment of other approved positions, including a Finance Manager and a Sports Director.
Nonetheless, President Twagirayezu opposed the move, insisting that the CEO should only be appointed after the revised statutes and regulations governing Rayon Sports are ratified.
He further pointed out that the club already has Uwimpuhwe Liliane serving as Acting CEO, a role recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) when Rayon Sports submitted its licensing requirements for the CAF Confederation Cup, hence no urgent need to rush another appointment.
Board member Munyakazi Sadate also opposed the decision, backing Twagirayezu’s request for two months to finalize the legal revisions, warning that appointing a CEO prematurely would only deepen divisions and fuel internal conflicts.
According to reports, the Board of Directors does not believe Uwimpuhwe is capable of effectively running Rayon Sports, citing errors highlighted during the General Assembly.
As tensions escalated, President Twagirayezu walked out of the meeting before it concluded.
Sources confirmed that while a decision was technically reached, it was put on hold and not officially announced due to the absence of the club president.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
