Shema Fabrice resigns as FERWAFA President after 13 months

Shema Ngoga Fabrice has resigned as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), ending his tenure after 13 months in charge of the country’s football governing body.

In a resignation letter dated Tuesday, September 29, 2026, which was received by members of the FERWAFA General Assembly shortly after midnight on September 30, Shema announced that his resignation would take effect immediately.

“I have submitted my resignation from the position of President of the Rwanda Football Federation, effective immediately. This is a decision taken in good faith and in relation to my personal conduct,” Shema said in the letter.

He said stepping down was aimed at protecting the integrity of the federation, maintaining public confidence and allowing FERWAFA’s activities to continue without disruption.

Shema also said he was ready to facilitate a smooth handover and thanked the General Assembly that elected him, the Executive Committee, federation officials, partners, the national team, supporters and others who had supported his leadership.

Legal case precedes resignation

Shema’s resignation comes about six weeks after he became involved in legal proceedings linked to his business activities outside football.

He had faced charges related to issuing dishonoured cheques and obtaining property through fraudulent means in connection with his medical equipment business, Africa Medical Supplier.

On September 22, 2026, the Nyarugenge Primary Court ordered his release after accepting a plea agreement between Shema and the Prosecution.

Under the agreement submitted to the court, the Prosecution said Shema had made the required payment and requested a six-month suspended sentence for one year, alongside a Rwf3 million fine.

FERWAFA’s statutes and requirements for presidential candidates state that a person seeking to lead the federation must not have previously been convicted and imprisoned for more than six months.

The legal proceedings therefore raised questions about Shema’s eligibility and compliance with the federation’s integrity requirements.

Focus on clubs and football financing

Shema came into office with a strong emphasis on improving the financial position of Rwandan football clubs and helping them become more sustainable.

During his first year, the federation increased financial rewards for clubs. The Rwanda Premier League champions received Rwf80 million, while eight teams were awarded prize money, with the eighth-placed team receiving Rwf10 million.

A total of Rwf484 million was distributed in prize money during his first year in office.

Efforts to strengthen Amavubi

Shema also played a significant role in efforts to strengthen the Rwanda national team, Amavubi.

During his tenure, Rwanda brought back Stephen Constantine as head coach and stepped up efforts to attract experienced Rwandan players based abroad to the national-team setup.

The changes came during a period in which Amavubi recorded a series of positive results, including winning the FIFA Series. 

His administration had set ambitious targets for the national team, including qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Rwanda last reached in 2004, as well as working towards qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Claudine Gasarabwe assumes interim leadership

Following Shema’s resignation, FERWAFA is being led on an interim basis by lawyer Claudine Gasarabwe, who previously served as First Vice President responsible for Finance and Administration.

Gasarabwe will oversee the federation’s operations as it navigates the leadership transition and determines the next steps following Shema’s departure.