Uganda won the Cecafa Cup title for the fifth time in the last seven years, beating Rwanda 1-0 in the final in Addis Ababa on Saturday.
Caesar Okhuti scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute to give the Ugandan Cranes their 14th title in the regional competition.
The victors were by far the better side in the tough contest, as Rwanda, hosts of the African Nations Championships in 2016 and winners only once way back in 1999, failed to break down their more illustrious neighbours.
Rwanda's best opportunity came on the half hour mark when skipper and top scorer Jacques Tuyisenge was brought down by Murushid Juuko, but the resultant free kick was wasted.
Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry said the two-week tournament was good preparation for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals at home in January.
"We are all very disappointed but we will pick ourselves up and move forward into CHAN," the Irish-born coach said.
Earlier, hosts Ethiopia took bronze when they defeat Sudan 5-4 in penalties.