Rwanda has been invited to take part in this year’s East Africa Defence Forces, Culture and Sports competition set for June 21 to July 2 in Kampala, Uganda.

Rwanda defence Forces (RDF) Director of Sports, Lt. Robert Kanamugire confirmed to Times Sport yesterday that only two sports disciplines (football and athletics) will represent the country in the two-week long competition.

"We have started the preparations and by the end of next week the two teams will be able to name their respective squads,” Lt. Kanamugire said.

Kanamugire also confirmed that the two teams are expected to start residential training in the final week before the competitions.

As part of preparation, European based national athlete, Dieudonné Disi, 27 has been summoned to lead Rwanda’s hunt for silverware in Kampala.

APR athletics team head coach Innocent Rwabuhihi confirmed the development yesterday. He said, "Disi will lead the athletics team but we are yet to name the other members on the team.”

Rwanda and Burundi will take part in the competitions for the first time after being admitted to the East African Community late last year. Other countries that will participate in this year’s edition include; Kenya, Tanzania and hosts Uganda.

Tanzania won the 2007 edition in Dar-es-Salaam, with Uganda finishing second while Kenya settled for the third. The invited teams are expected to start arriving in Kampala on June 20.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) will meet all the local costs for the event aimed at promoting solidarity among the regional defence forces.

The competition which will be officially opened by UPDF Army commander Gen. Aronda Nyakairima will climax on July 2.

Action which will feature handball, netball, boxing and a cross-country event is expected to be held at Namboole stadium, Lugogo and Bombo grounds.

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