In Rwanda’s vibrant basketball scene, no name rings louder than Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Basketball Club. Based in Kigali and backed by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), APR isn’t just a team—it’s a symbol of resilience, legacy, and dominance on the court.
The story of APR begins not in an arena, but during a critical moment in Rwanda’s history. In 1993, amid a ceasefire during the Arusha peace talks, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) sought ways to engage its soldiers beyond the battlefield. That’s when APR Basketball Club was born—part of a broader effort that also introduced volleyball and football teams. What began as a morale-building initiative for soldiers would go on to become a powerhouse in Rwandan sports.
APR’s local record is simply unmatched. With 15 national league championships, the club has carved out a legacy of excellence. Their title streak began in 1995 and continued with relentless consistency into the 2000s. After reclaiming the crown in 2023, and successfully defending it in 2024, APR reaffirmed its status as the most decorated club in the history of the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL).
But APR's ambition doesn’t stop at national borders. The club has proudly flown Rwanda’s flag in the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup, achieving a 6th place finish in 2007, 8th in 2008, and a historic bronze medal in 2009—a moment that still resonates with fans as one of the country's proudest achievements in continental basketball.
Now, APR is preparing for its next chapter on an even bigger stage: the 2025 Basketball Africa League's (BAL) play-offs. With their roots deeply embedded in Rwanda’s liberation history and their eyes firmly set on the future of African basketball, the team is poised not only to compete—but to contend.
APR’s journey is a rare blend of national heritage and sporting glory. From its humble beginnings among soldiers during a time of war, to dominating the hardwood with tactical brilliance and unwavering team spirit, APR Basketball Club continues to inspire a nation—and now, it's ready to inspire a continent.