Rwanda transfer window: APR FC sign Jean Pierre Rubuguza as AS Kigali add Aimable Ntarindwa
APR FC complete signing of Jean Pierre Rubuguza; AS Kigali bolster midfield as multiple Rwandan clubs reshape squads in transfer window activity.
APR FC have completed the acquisition of midfielder Jean Pierre Rubuguza on a two-year contract that will run through June 2028, a move that arrives as the Rwanda transfer window picks up pace across the top flight. Rubuguza joins the military side after a standout season at Gicumbi FC, where he impressed while on loan from Intare Football Academy and earned attention for his composure and ball-carrying ability. The signing represents a targeted addition to APR’s midfield options as the club prepares for the coming campaign.
APR FC secure Rubuguza until June 2028
APR FC announced a two-year deal for Jean Pierre Rubuguza that ties the young midfielder to the club until the summer of 2028. The military-affiliated club moved to secure Rubuguza following an eye-catching loan spell at Gicumbi, where he demonstrated range, work-rate and the kind of tempo control coaches value in the center of the park.
Club officials framed the signing as part of a broader effort to refresh midfield depth and introduce players who can adapt to both possession-based sequences and the quick transitions favored in league play. Rubuguza’s technical skill set and versatility make him a candidate for multiple midfield roles, and APR will expect him to compete immediately for minutes.
AS Kigali add Aimable Ntarindwa in midfield rebuild
AS Kigali have continued their squad overhaul with the addition of midfielder Aimable Ntarindwa on a two-year contract, a signing that underscores the club’s intent to strengthen its spine ahead of the new season. Ntarindwa arrives with top-flight experience from his spell at Rayon Sports and joins a list of new recruits aimed at stabilizing a side that struggled in the 2025/26 BK Pro League.
The acquisition makes Ntarindwa the fifth incoming player of the window for AS Kigali, following the earlier signings of Daniel Ikapo Kalu, Alexandre Munyemana, Emmanuel Niyigena and Hoziana Kenedy. Club sources say the new arrivals are intended to add both experience and competition across the squad as the team looks to climb away from last season’s inconsistencies.
AS Kigali retain core players under coach Justin Bisengimana
Alongside incoming transfers, AS Kigali have moved to extend the contracts of several key performers, signaling a dual strategy of recruitment and retention under new head coach Justin Bisengimana. Saidi Uwiduhaye, Tharcisse Nshimiyimana, Pascal Kanuma and Patient Ndikuriyo have all received fresh deals, preserving a nucleus that the coaching staff believes can blend with the new signings.
The club’s leadership framed the renewals as a vote of confidence in both the players and the coaching transition, emphasizing continuity in squad culture while addressing tactical shortcomings exposed last season. Bisengimana’s brief tenure has already been defined by an active transfer posture and a clear emphasis on balancing youth and experience.
Movement across the league: Rayon, Musanze and Marines make their plays
Transfer activity has been noticeable beyond the capital, with several clubs shoring up specific areas ahead of preseason. Winger Gilbert Mugisha has completed a return to Rayon Sports, adding width and attacking experience to a squad that regularly competes at the upper end of the table. Musanze FC have bolstered their options with the signings of Edouard Ndayishimiye and Destine Makanga, moves aimed at increasing depth and tactical flexibility.
Marines FC have also been active, securing Awad Iraguha from Etincelles FC on a short-term arrangement while bringing in Aimé Ntirushwa from AS Kigali on a one-year contract. Those additions reflect a targeted approach by smaller sides looking to supplement core rosters with players who can contribute immediately and offer squad rotation options across a congested fixture calendar.
Kiyovu Sports invest in youth with Salim Saleh signing
Kiyovu Sports announced the capture of 19-year-old forward Salim Saleh from Muhazi United on a two-year deal, a move that highlights the club’s willingness to invest in emerging domestic talent. Saleh’s second-division campaign was interrupted by injury in the first half, but he returned to form in the second round, producing five goals and six assists for a combined 11 goal contributions that attracted top-flight interest.
The young forward’s profile—pace, directness and a capacity to create chances—fits a recruitment model that blends promising prospects with experienced mentors. Kiyovu will expect Saleh to continue his upward trajectory under the supervision of their coaching staff and to provide fresh attacking options as the club seeks to improve on its recent league finishes.
What the transfer window signals for the 2026/27 campaign
Collectively, the recent deals point to a competitive and proactive approach from Rwanda’s leading clubs as they prepare for the 2026/27 season, with several teams moving to correct weaknesses identified during the 2025/26 campaign. APR FC’s capture of Rubuguza adds midfield quality to a side that regularly targets domestic silverware, while AS Kigali’s mixture of recruitment and contract renewals signals a reset under new management aimed at restoring stability and consistency.
Smaller clubs are using short-term signings and astute youth scouting to bridge gaps and remain competitive, creating a transfer landscape where experience and potential are both valued. The distribution of talent suggests the coming season could feature tighter contests across the table, with mid-level clubs growing bolder in their pursuit of results and higher-ranked teams responding by deepening squads.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how quickly new signings integrate, how coaches adjust tactics to new personnel, and whether the influx of transfers leads to clearer hierarchies in the league. Off-field governance and stability will remain a parallel determinant of success, as clubs that manage both recruitment and internal operations effectively are more likely to translate transfer activity into on-pitch improvement.
The coming weeks of preseason training and friendly matches will offer the first concrete indications of how these moves will play out when competitive fixtures resume.
