Shema Ngoga Fabrice has resigned as president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), ending his 13-month tenure at the head of the country’s football governing body.
Shema announced his resignation in a letter to the FERWAFA General Assembly on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, saying the decision took immediate effect. He cited an integrity issue involving him personally.
“I hereby submit my resignation from my position as President of the Rwanda Football Federation, FERWAFA, with immediate effect. This decision follows an integrity issue that has arisen in connection with me personally,” Shema said in the letter.
He said stepping down was intended to protect public confidence in FERWAFA and allow the federation’s processes to continue without interference.
Shema also cautioned that his resignation should not be interpreted beyond the facts and information that may be established through the procedures provided for under the law and relevant regulations.
“I remain committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance in Rwandan football,” he said.
His resignation comes days after a court approved a plea agreement between Shema and the prosecution in a case involving the issuance of cheques without sufficient funds and fraudulently obtaining another person’s property.
Under the court-approved agreement, Shema was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, and fined RWF 3 million. He had admitted the charges as part of the plea agreement and paid US$600,000 linked to the bounced cheques.
The case had raised questions over Shema’s continued position at FERWAFA. Reports citing the federation’s regulations said the conviction could affect his eligibility to remain in the leadership of the football governing body.
Shema was elected FERWAFA president on August 30, 2025, as the sole candidate for the position. He succeeded Alphonse Munyantwali and became the federation’s 16th president.
His resignation letter was also copied to the presidents of FIFA, CAF and CECAFA, formally informing the three football governing bodies of his decision.
Shema said he would assist with the handover of responsibilities to ensure continuity in FERWAFA’s operations.
He also thanked the General Assembly, Executive Committee, FERWAFA staff, partners, supporters, the Amavubi national team and others involved in Rwandan football for their cooperation during his time in office.
Following his resignation, FERWAFA is being led on an interim basis by lawyer Claudine Gasarabwe, who previously served as the federation’s First Vice President in charge of Finance and Administration.
Shema’s departure brings to an end a presidency that lasted just over a year, with the federation now facing a transition in leadership as it continues its football development and competition programmes.
