Shema Ngoga Fabrice resigns as FERWAFA president

By The Inspirer.

Shema Ngoga Fabrice has resigned as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), bringing his 13-month tenure at the head of Rwanda’s football governing body to an immediate end.

Shema announced his resignation in a letter addressed to members of the FERWAFA General Assembly on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, citing an integrity issue connected to his personal conduct.

“I hereby submit my resignation from my position as President of the Rwanda Football Federation, with immediate effect. This decision follows an integrity issue connected to my personal conduct,” Shema said in the letter.

He said stepping down was intended to protect the integrity of FERWAFA, preserve public confidence in the federation and allow its activities to continue without disruption.

Shema also said he was ready to support the handover process to ensure continuity in the federation’s work.

The resignation comes days after a court case involving Shema over allegations related to issuing dishonoured cheques and obtaining property through fraud.

On September 22, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court approved an agreement between Shema and the prosecution, resulting in a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of RWF3 million. Reports on the case said it involved two cheques worth about US$600,000 issued in connection with a business agreement involving his company, Africa Medical Supplier, and ABZL International General Trading LLC of the United Arab Emirates.

The court proceedings had raised questions about whether Shema could continue serving as FERWAFA president because the federation’s governance requirements include an integrity provision concerning criminal convictions and imprisonment.

Shema’s resignation now brings that question to an end, as he has voluntarily stepped down from the position he was elected to in August 2025.

A 13-month presidency ends

Shema was elected FERWAFA president in August 2025 for a four-year term, taking over leadership of the federation with a stated focus on strengthening the financial position of Rwandan football clubs.

During his time in office, he placed emphasis on increasing financial support for clubs and improving their ability to operate sustainably.

Under his leadership, the prize money for the winner of Rwanda’s top-flight men’s football championship was increased to RWF80 million, while eight clubs received financial awards, with the eighth-placed team receiving RWF10 million.

A total of RWF484 million was distributed in prize money during his first year in charge, according to figures reported by local media.

Shema also supported efforts to identify Rwandan players based abroad who could contribute to the national team, the Amavubi.

His resignation letter thanked the FERWAFA General Assembly that elected him, members of the Executive Committee, federation officials, partners, the national team, supporters and other stakeholders who worked with him during his tenure.

“It has been an honour to serve Rwandan football,” he said in his farewell message.

Claudine Gasarabwe takes interim leadership

Following Shema’s resignation, FERWAFA is now being led on an interim basis by Me. Claudine Gasarabwe, who previously served as First Vice President in charge of Administration and Finance.

Gasarabwe is expected to oversee the federation’s operations during the transition as arrangements are made for the next phase of FERWAFA leadership.

FERWAFA, established in 1972 and affiliated with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 1978, is responsible for organising and developing football in Rwanda, including national competitions and the national teams.

Shema’s departure comes at a significant period for Rwandan football, with the national team continuing its preparations and qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a message posted shortly after his release from custody on September 22, Shema had publicly expressed his support for the Amavubi ahead of their AFCON qualifying campaign.

His resignation marks the end of a presidency that lasted just over a year and leaves FERWAFA preparing for a leadership transition while its football programmes continue.

The federation has not yet announced the timetable or procedure for electing a permanent successor.