Mama Mukura, whose loyalty to the sport spanned over six decades, died at her home after battling illness. According to club officials, she had recently been discharged from hospital and passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
"We were shocked to receive the news. She had gone to bed as usual, but this morning she was found lifeless," said Gatera Edmond, spokesperson for Mukura VS.
Mukura VS, in collaboration with her family and members of the local football community, is now preparing to give her a fitting farewell.
Club officials described her as a 'grandmother to all football lovers,' and said she would be remembered not only for her unwavering support but for the values she stood for: resilience, unity, and passion for the game.
Born in 1922 in Kabitoki Village, Save Sector, Gisagara District, Mukanemeye was the youngest of eight children. She left school early and worked as a cook for Catholic sisters in Kibeho. At 43, she got married but never had children; instead, she became a mother figure to generations of football fans.
Her love affair with football began in her school years and continued through adulthood. She often joined local boys in village matches and once attended a royal football match graced by King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
When Mukura Victory Sports was founded in 1963, she became one of its earliest and most loyal fans. Over the decades, she rarely missed a game in Huye and proudly wore the club's colours, often cheering from the stands with unmatched enthusiasm. Her presence became synonymous with Mukura home games, earning her the nickname 'Mama Mukura.'
Despite her allegiance to Mukura, Mukanemeye was also a devoted follower of Amavubi, Rwanda's national team. In a 2022 interview with IGIHE, she recalled the joy football brought to her life and encouraged young people to embrace sports not just as entertainment, but as a source of unity and identity.
'We considered her the grandmother of all football fans, not just because she loved Mukura VS, but also because she deeply supported the national team. She was a role model to many, and it's only right that we give her a respectful farewell and continue her legacy,' said Gatera.
Funeral arrangements are underway, with Mukura VS pledging to honour her with the respect befitting a club icon.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/popular-mukura-vs-fan-mukanemeye-dies-aged-103
