Category: Rwabutaza VIP Club

The Events Program For The 2026 Rwabutaza Basketball Classic & Schools Reunion

The events program is subject to updates at any time. Please check regularly for updates.

Event DateEvent TimeEventEarly Bird Ticket (Purchased Before April 15, 2026)Regular Ticket (Purchased April 15-May 21, 2026)Weekend Ticket (Purchased May 22-25, 2026)
Friday, May 22, 20266:00 pm – 11:00 pmEvent A: Friday Opening Night$15$20$25
Saturday, May 23, 202611:00 am – 4:00 pmEvent B: Saturday Basketball SemisFreeFreeFree
Saturday, May 23, 20264:00 pm – 9:00 pmEvent C: Saturday Nyama Choma (Meal Ticket)$15$20$22
Saturday, May 23, 202610:00 pm – 2:00 amEvent D: Schools Reunion Black Suit Ball (Regular Admission)$40$50$60
Saturday, May 23, 202610:00 pm – 2:00 amEvent D-VIP: Schools Reunion Black Suit Ball (VIP Admission)$800$900$1,000
Sunday, May 24, 202611:00 am – 4:00 pmEvent E: Sunday Basketball FinalsFreeFreeFree
Sunday, May 24, 20264:00 pm – 9:00 pmEvent F: Sunday Nyama Choma (Meal Ticket)$15$20$22
Sunday, May 24, 202610:00 pm – 2:00 amEvent G: Schools Reunion White Party (Regular Admission)$40$50$60
Sunday, May 24, 202610:00 pm – 2:00 amEvent G-VIP: Schools Reunion White Party (VIP)$800$900$1,000
All weekendAll weekendFull All-Weekend Bundle$120$150$180
Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, 2026Saturday Night and Sunday NightTwo Night Events Bundle$80$100$120

The Dress Code For The 2026 Rwabutaza Basketball Classic & Schools Reunion

Day 1- Friday Opening Night, May 22, 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen

Dress Code: Semi-Formal and Casual. Dress to impress.


Day 2- Schools Reunion Black Suit Ball, Saturday Night, May 23, 2026

Dress code: Formal. Dress to impress. Dress code strictly enforced.

Ladies

Dress code: Ladies’ Formal Wear. We use the colors of the two women’s basketball teams, gold color for Mikumi Leopards, or sky blue color for Zanzibar Sharks.

Gentlemen

Dress code for Gentlemen: Formal Wear- A black suit and a bow tie of any of the four men’s basketball team colors, orange (Manyara Vipers), red (Ruaha Wild Dogs), royal blue (Serengeti Hyenas), or green (Tarangire Pythons).

Day 3- Schools Reunion White Party, Sunday Night, May 24, 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen

Dress code: All white formal and informal wear. Dress to impress. Dress code is strictly enforced.

Dress code for ladies and gentlemen on The Schools Reunion White Party on Sunday Night: All White Dress Code. Dress code is strictly enforced.

The RSVP Guest List of The 2026 Rwabutaza Basketball Classic & Reunion, 2026 Memorial Weekend, May 22-25, 2026, Columbus, Ohio, USA


Our Sponsors

SponsorIndustryPoint of ContactSponsorship Package
A Brighter Living LLCHealth CareMs. Ummy MbegaBronze
KC Land Development PlanReal EstateMr. Khalid MwinyiBronze
Sponsorship PackageSponsorship AmountSponsorship Details
Bronze$500Recognition in event program and website.
Silver$1,000All the perks from the previous tier, plus social media shout-outs and small logo placement on event materials.
Gold$2,000All the perks from the previous tiers, plus medium logo placement, free tickets to the event, and verbal recognition during the event.
Platinum$5,000All the perks from the previous tiers, plus large logo placement, a feature in newsletter, and an invitation to a VIP networking opportunity.
Diamond$10,000All the perks from the previous tiers, plus naming rights for a specific event element (e.g., a panel, session, or activity).

Our Donors

DonorPoint of ContactDonation
Ms. Salome Daniel MashamboMs. Salome Daniel MashamboTo Be Determined
Ms. Edna NgowiMs. Edna NgowiTo Be Determined

Our VIP Guest List

First NameLast NameCityState
. Single Night Event VIP Price: $900, with a 25% deposit required to book.
. Admissions: Complimentary entry for up to 5 guests, with skip the line.
. Table and service: A reserved VIP table in a preferred section with prioritized seating.
. Bottle service: Two bottles of premium liquor and standard mixers like soda and juice.

Our Guests of Honor

GuestTitleInstitutionRole
(Classified)(Classified)(Classified)2026 Guest of Honor
Mr. Richard LupembeMinister Plenipotentiary, Public AffairsEmbassy of The United Republic of Tanzania, Washington DC2025 Guest of Honor
Mr. Mhilu KiluwashaChairmanTanzania Columbus Community Association (TCCA), Columbus, Ohio2024 Guest of Honor
Mr. Mutta LubagoSecretaryTanzania Columbus Community Association (TCCA), Columbus, OhioHonorable Guest
Prof. Deo TungarazaElderTanzanian Columbus CommunityHonorable Guest
Mrs. Frida TungarazaElderTanzanian Columbus CommunityHonorable Guest
Mr. Sam MwangaElderTanzanian Columbus CommunityHonorable Guest
Ms. Enid FisherElderTanzanian Columbus CommunityHonorable Guest
Mr. Godfrey MoshyChairmanSt. Martin de Porres Catholic CommunityHonorable Guest
Mr. Jackson LyimoSecretaryIbada ya Kiswahili ColumbusHonorable Guest
Mr. Frank MwemeziTreasurerIbada ya Kiswahili ColumbusHonorable Guest
Pastor Donis NkonePastorAll Nations Breakthrough ChurchHonorable Guest
Pastor Nnunu NkonePastorAll Nations Breakthrough ChurchHonorable Guest
Mr. Yussuf MeccaChairIslamic Community of Tanzanians in Columbus, OhioHonorable Guest
Mr. Mohammed AbdallahTreasurerIslamic Community of Tanzanians in Columbus, OhioHonorable Guest
Pastor Emmanuel TambwePastorJesus Is Hope MinistryHonorable Guest
Mrs. Neema TambwePastorJesus Is Hope MinistryHonorable Guest
Ms. Tina LaswayPresidentDiaspora Council of Tanzanians in America (DICOTA)Honorable Guest
Mr. Michael T. MwakilasaChair, Board of TrusteesDiaspora Council of Tanzanians in America (DICOTA)Honorable Guest
Mr. Hamza MrishoChairmanTanzanian Community Organization (TCO), San Franscisco, CaliforniaHonorable Guest
Mr. Kwame KinaboChairmanOregon Tanzanian Association, OregonHonorable Guest
Mr. Emil MutaChairmanTanza-Seattle, Seattle, WashingtonHonorable Guest
Mr. John AdheroChairmanTanzanian Association of Kansas City (TAKS)Honorable Guest
Ms. Rahma KaheloChairTanzania Association of Wichita, Wichita, KansasHonorable Guest
Mr. James KitiaChairmanTanzania Association of Midwest, Chicago, IllinoisHonorable Guest
Mr. Nathan ChiumeChairmanTanzanian New York CommunityHonorable Guest

Our Athletes

First NameLast Name#TeamChampionship
MakaylaSalukele1Mikumi LeopardsWomen
Theresia KobeloMkangara2Mikumi LeopardsWomen
DeotilaKasambo3Mikumi LeopardsWomen
Magreth ManawaMhondo4Mikumi LeopardsWomen
SalmaKasambo5Mikumi LeopardsWomen
Neema KakokoChilewa6Mikumi LeopardsWomen
IreneMshiu7Mikumi LeopardsWomen
CarineAkimana9Mikumi LeopardsWomen
AnjelaMinja10Mikumi LeopardsWomen
JoyLwiza11Mikumi LeopardsWomen
CarineKalokola12Mikumi LeopardsWomen
JoyceTemigunga1Zanzibar SharksWomen
SophiaMkamba2Zanzibar SharksWomen
KierstynLiming3Zanzibar SharksWomen
EdnaNgowi4Zanzibar SharksWomen
JamilaSaid5Zanzibar SharksWomen
JenniferMahemba6Zanzibar SharksWomen
PeterBategeki1Manyara VipersMen
XavierKahube4Manyara VipersMen
JerrysonMutabirwa1Ruaha Wild DogsMen
Arnold Kamazima3Ruaha Wild DogsMen
Akili LusunguMsola5Ruaha Wild DogsMen
ChristopherChilewa7Ruaha Wild DogsMen
SosthenesChilewa8Ruaha Wild DogsMen
ZindoMsola9Ruaha Wild DogsMen
James KaregaMahemba11Ruaha Wild DogsMen
LuisMisabo12Ruaha Wild DogsMen
SamuelMuthama14Ruaha Wild DogsMen
JonathanNyang’oro1Serengeti HyenasMen
AllanRwabutaza2Serengeti HyenasMen
Ibrahim SaidNdula4Serengeti HyenasMen
GwamakaMwambungu5Serengeti HyenasMen
ChrisantusKawogo8Serengeti HyenasMen
DobbinsNkone11Serengeti HyenasMen
DonisNkone, Jr.12Serengeti HyenasMen
DonovanNkone16Serengeti HyenasMen
GidiboTindwa1Tarangire PythonsMen
RwegaJordan2Tarangire PythonsMen
AndersonMwasele3Tarangire PythonsMen
Atiki AllyAtiki4Tarangire PythonsMen
Murshid MudricatZuberi5Tarangire PythonsMen
Quraish6Tarangire PythonsMen
AnthonyJeikanga8Tarangire PythonsMen
Anshuman DeoraSingh9Tarangire PythonsMen
JustinChendiCoachTarangire PythonsMen

Our Alumni

All smiles, Bamron Jonathan Lyimo, Bremer Jonathan Lyimo and Frank Kambira, happy to be reunited once again in Columbus, Ohio.
First NameLast NameCityStateAlma Mater
AbdallahKiluviaDallasTexasAzania Secondary School
AhmedSaidColumbusOhioAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
Akili LusunguMsolaColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
AlbanMkwawaColumbusOhioUpanga Primary School
Allan AnthonyRwabutazaColumbusOhioInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
AlnoorVisramAlbuquerqueNew MexicoAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
AngilaMagoriColumbusOhioShaaban Robert Secondary School
AnirudhBhaghatAnn Arbor MichiganAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
AnnaMoshiColumbusOhioDakawa Secondary School
AnthonyMkumbaeColumbusOhioMuhimbili Primary School
AntoniaKutaliColumbusOhioJitegemee Secondary School
Benedicta MathiasMassaweSpringfieldMassachussettsDakawa Secondary School
Bhoke MukamiKirigitiColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
Bremer JonathanLyimoDurhamNorth CarolinaInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
BrendaSt. Mary’s Secondary School
CatherineMkumbaeCaryNorth CarolinaDakawa Secondary School
ChrispinaKessyColumbusOhioJangwani Secondary School
Dan DimoMapiganoColumbusOhioBunge Primary School
DannyNyambiboColumbusOhioMuhimbili Primary School
DavidBoccoColumbusOhioUpanga Primary School
Dennis MbelwaRweikizaDallasTexasMuhimbili Primary School
DianaJosephSt. Mary’s Secondary School
EdgarMjengwaColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
EdwinMteiSt. Mary’s Secondary School
E. K.MuzoHoustonTexasMuhimbili Primary School
EmmanuelKorossoHoustonTexasJitegemee Secondary School
FelixMkumbaeColumbusOhioMuhimbili Primary School
FloraMaabadiColumbusOhioDakawa Secondary School
FrankKambiraOrlandoFloridaInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
GillianBateyungaColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
GraceKambiraColumbusOhioInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
GwaiiThy WordDetroitMichiganSt. Mary’s Secondary School
GwamakaKibondeDetroitMichiganAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
HelenOngaraColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
HenryAaronWichitaKansasMlimani Primary School
HinduBakariColumbusOhioShaaban Robert Secondary School
HonorataMoshyColumbusOhioDakawa Secondary School
IgnasChilewaColumbusOhioAzania Secondary School
James KaregaMahembaColumbusOhioMuhimbili Primary School
Jemimah EbrahimMulokoziColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
JohnKileoColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
Joseph KinguMalekelaColumbusOhioSt. Mary’s Secondary School
JoyLwizaMinneapolisMinnesotaUpanga Primary School
JoyceTemigungaColumbusOhioZanaki Secondary School
JudithKakasaColumbusOhioUpanga Primary School
JulianaManenoColumbusOhioZanaki Secondary School
KaiziMwijageColumbusOhioShaaban Robert Secondary School
KhalidMwinyiDar-es-salaamTanzaniaAzania Secondary School
KinyemiChingalameFultonMarylandUpanga Primary School
Linus MukiBuhanzaColumbusOhioJitegemee Secondary School
Lisbeth SiaMachanguColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
LucyMaryogo-RobinsonGaithersburgMarylandInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
LusajoKibondeColumbusOhioTambaza Secondary School
MaigaMapiganoColumbusOhioBunge Primary School
MaryamAllyAltoonaIowaInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
MaryamRashidSt. Mary’s Secondary School
MichaelMngodoColumbusOhioShaaban Robert Secondary School
MohammedMshindoColumbusOhioJitegemee Secondary School
MkamaMapiganoColumbusOhioTambaza Secondary School
MweluDanielColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
NabeelViraOrlandoFloridaAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
NabeelaAlidinaDallasTexasInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
NeemaKakoko ChilewaColumbusOhioZanaki Secondary School
NeemaMrishoColumbusOhioZanaki Secondary School
NeppoSaprapasen-FrischWestminsterMassachusettsDakawa Secondary School
NsongoSt. Mary’s Secondary School
NuruMoshaNew YorkNew YorkInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
PamelaKirigitiColumbusOhioOysterbay Primary School
PamelaMwailoloColumbusOhioBunge Primary School
PaulMateruColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
PaulMwaitendaColumbusOhioBunge Primary School
PeterKirigitiColumbusOhioOysterbay Primary School
PeterBategekiHoustonTexasMuhimbili Primary School
Proscovia LonginoRwegoshoraColumbusOhioTambaza Secondary School
Rehema ConnieKobeloColumbusOhioJangwani Secondary School
RichardFrischWestminsterMassachusettsOysterbay Primary School
Ritesh “Digi”KatakiaOrlandoFloridaShaaban Robert Secondary School
SalamaMadoffeColumbusOhioJangwani Secondary School
RubyBrownColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
SalvaMuhayaColumbusOhioJitegemee Secondary School
SameerJessaniOrlandoFloridaAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
SandraLaswayColumbusOhioArusha Primary School
ShangweMandaCincinnatiOhioSt. Mary’s Secondary School
ShrutiPatelSavannahGeorgiaInternational School of Tanganyika (IST)
SonyMallyaSt. Mary’s Secondary School
SteveMutasaMinneapolisMinnesotaOysterbay Primary School
SteveRweyemamuNew YorkNew YorkAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
TeddyNgelejaColumbusOhioZanaki Secondary School
Theresia KobeloMkangaraColumbusOhioJangwani Secondary School
TitoZablonDallasTexasMuhimbili Primary School
TumainiKatuleColumbusOhioLutheran Junior Seminary
VickyMpatwaCincinnatiOhioJangwani Secondary School
VivianMaregesiSt. Mary’s Secondary School
Yahya S. B.YahyaDetroitMichiganUpanga Primary School
YasminMussaColumbusOhioSt. Mary’s Secondary School
Zafrina DharamsiVellaniRichmondTexasAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School
ZeeshanViraOrlandoFloridaAga Khan Mzizima Secondary School

Our Wildcards

First NameLast NameCityState
Barry “Borri”BassColumbusOhio
Cuthbert MarioMahengeColumbusOhio
DaveKezeguleColumbusOhio
DelphinaRutashubirwaColumbusOhio
DeoNgassaWichitaKansas
DeoTembaLos AngelesCalifornia
EmmanuelMugogoColumbusOhio
EvaKiweluColumbusOhio
EvansKyzrahabiHoustonTexas
Fatma “Miss Kigoma”MwambaColumbusOhio
FrankMutafungwaHoustonTexas
GeoffreyKahubeKansas CityKansas
GeoffreyMgayaColumbusOhio
GiselleColumbusOhio
Halima DoreenMkangaraColumbusOhio
HenryAaronWichitaKansas
HenryTzamburakisFrederickMaryland
IbraMadegaAtlantaGeorgia
JanithaRippyColumbusOhio
JoasMutabirwaColumbusOhio
JohnKilangoColumbusOhio
LillianKavisheColumbusOhio
LisareineKamazimaColumbusOhio
MonicaKuzilwaColumbusOhio
Ntainena DaviesSimumbaColumbusOhio
OmariMshindoColumbusOhio
RuthKiluwashaColumbusOhio
Vivian MoshiMwasandubeColumbusOhio
WanjaWanderiColumbusOhio

Our Leadership

First NameLast NameRole
Allan AnthonyRwabutazaChair, Executive Committee
JacksonLyimoSecretary, Executive Committee
Event Coordinator, Executive Committee
JoeNgwiliziBoard Member, Executive Committee
FrankMwemeziBoard Member, Executive Committee
Vice Event Coordinator – Friday Opening Night
Vice Event Coordinator – Saturday Men’s Basketball Semi-Finals
Vice Event Coordinator – Saturday Nyama Choma BBQ
Vice Event Coordinator – Saturday Grand Reunion Formal Night
Vice Event Coordinator – Sunday Basketball Championship Finals
Vice Event Coordinator – Sunday Nyama Choma BBQ
Vice Event Coordinator – Sunday Grand Reunion White Party Night
Vice Event Coordinator – Monday Closing Brunch
DJ
DJ
DJ
SuzanaMchaoBasketball Championships Host
MorineMwalujuwaBasketball Championships Host
IanLyatuuBasketball Championships DJ
Joseph KinguMalekelaBasketball Championships Official
PaulMateruBasketball Championships Official
FrankMwemeziBasketball Championships Statistician
HansLundengaBasketball Championships Statistician
Yuliks UlindaAllyBasketball Championships Statistician
JenifferMutabirwaBasketball Championships Statistician
LeticiaMutabirwaBasketball Championships Statistician
SalvaMuhayaPhotographer
Photographer
Videographer
Videographer
Videographer

A Black Suit and Red Bow Tie

A black suit and red bow tie convey sophistication, confidence, and a commanding presence, signaling a bold yet elegant style that grabs attention in formal or business settings. The color red symbolizes bravery and energy, making the combination a statement of charisma, authority, and a take-charge attitude. The contrast between the dark suit and bright bow tie creates a striking, sophisticated look suitable for important events and business meetings.  

Key Meanings and Symbolism

  • Sophistication and Style: This classic pairing is a hallmark of timeless elegance and personal flair, ensuring a polished and impressive appearance. 
  • Confidence and Authority: The vibrant red bow tie, especially when solid, is often called a “power tie,” signifying strength, a bold decision-making attitude, and an assertive personality. 
  • Charisma and Attention-Grabbing: The strong color contrast makes a powerful statement, ensuring the wearer stands out and leaves a memorable impression. 
  • Versatility: While ideal for formal events like galas and important business functions, this combination can also be worn to add a festive and sophisticated accent to a wedding or other social gatherings. 

How to Wear the Look

  • Consider the Shade of Red: A bright crimson conveys more power and boldness, while a deeper, darker shade like burgundy offers a more subdued but equally sophisticated appearance. 
  • Pair with a White Shirt: For a classic and professional look, a crisp white dress shirt is the recommended pairing to allow the bow tie to be the focus. 
  • Experiment with Patterns and Textures: While solid red ties are timeless, you can add personal style with patterns like subtle stripes or polka dots, or textures such as velvet, to enhance the look. 
  • Keep Accessories Minimal: To maintain a polished and professional aesthetic, pair the combination with minimal accessories.