The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed the arrest of Dr Shema Ngoga Fabrice, president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), over allegations of issuing a cheque without sufficient funds.
Shema was arrested on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and is currently being held at the RIB station in Kicukiro as investigations continue.
RIB spokesperson Dr Murangira B. Thierry said Shema is being investigated over the alleged issuance of a bad cheque. The case has not yet been submitted to the prosecution, while investigators are also looking into other offences allegedly connected to the matter.
RIB has not indicated whether the allegations are related to Shema’s role as FERWAFA president.
Shema became prominent in Rwandan football during his tenure as president of AS Kigali, where he played a key role in supporting the club. Under his leadership, AS Kigali won the Peace Cup in 2019 and 2022 and the FERWAFA Super Cup in 2022.
He was elected FERWAFA president for a four-year term in August 2025 after standing as the sole candidate, succeeding Alphonse Munyantwari.
Since taking over the federation, Shema has overseen initiatives aimed at increasing competition prize money, strengthening women’s football and developing young talent.
He also pledged to forgo his presidential salary and instead direct the funds towards youth football development.
The arrest comes less than a year into his four-year term at the helm of Rwanda’s football governing body.
