When Denis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka arrived at APR FC, Rwanda’s most decorated football club, questions loomed: Could they deliver when it mattered? As the dust settles on a dominant season that saw APR lift both the Rwandan Premier League and the FERWAFA Peace Cup, those questions have turned into celebration and speculation.
In a season marked by resilience, tactical discipline and star quality, the Ugandan trio of Omedi, Kiwanuka and Tadeo Lwanga emerged as vital cogs in APR’s relentless march to the domestic double, capped off with their 23rd league title secured on Wednesday evening at the Amahoro Stadium.
While Lwanga brought calm and leadership in midfield throughout the campaign, it’s the combination of Omedi’s direct impact and Kiwanuka’s flair off the bench that has APR fans wondering, Were they the missing pieces in APR’s bid for continental glory, a historic treble that now hinges on next season’s CAF Champions League run?
In their final match of the season, APR beat Musanze 3-1, with Bosco Ruboneka netting a hat-trick to seal the title. Omedi started the match, a reflection of his growing influence, while Kiwanuka and Lwanga came off the bench, a testament to the squad depth APR has cultivated.
Their victory took them to 67 points after 30 matches, finishing four clear of rivals Rayon Sports in a closely contested title race. It followed their earlier Peace Cup triumph, also played at Amahoro Stadium earlier this month.
The double means APR have once again stamped their dominance domestically but this time, with a new edge, shaped by the grit and experience of Ugandan talent.
For much of the season, Omedi was a consistent performer, blending physicality with attacking intent. His presence allowed APR to stretch defenses and create space in key moments, a quality APR often lacked in previous seasons.
Kiwanuka, though used more sparingly, brought a spark off the bench, often shifting the momentum with his pace and creativity. Both players offered new dimensions to a side already known for its tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
Together, their impact suggests they may indeed be the final pieces of a puzzle that APR has been assembling for years not just for domestic domination, but for a serious shot at CAF Champions League success.
With qualification for the CAF Champions League now sealed, attention swiftly turns to whether the Ugandan trio will stay on. Rumours of interest from other clubs in the region have already begun to swirl, especially with Omedi’s stock on the rise.
If APR can retain their new Ugandan spine, dreams of a historic treble league, cup and continental silverware may not be far-fetched. The club’s 2025 campaign will be watched with renewed interest, both in Rwanda and back home in Uganda, where fans take pride in the contributions of their international exports.
