By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema Ngoga has resigned from his position with immediate effect, bringing an abrupt end to his 13-month tenure at the helm of Rwandan football.
Shema announced his resignation in a letter dated September 29 and addressed to members of the FERWAFA General Assembly, citing an “integrity issue” connected to his personal circumstances.
“I hereby submit my resignation from my position as President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), with immediate effect,” Shema wrote.
He said stepping down was the most responsible course of action to protect the credibility of the federation, maintain public confidence and allow the relevant processes surrounding the matter to continue independently and without distraction.
Shema also stressed that his resignation should not be interpreted beyond the facts established through the appropriate legal and institutional procedures.
His decision comes days after a court-approved plea agreement in Rwanda. The Nyarugenge court sentenced Shema to six months in prison, suspended for one year, and imposed a RWF3 million fine after he admitted offences involving the issuance of bounced cheques and obtaining another person’s property through fraudulent means. He was subsequently released. The case arose from his private business activities and not from his position at FERWAFA.
The legal proceedings had raised questions over whether Shema could continue as federation president. Rwandan legal interpretations differed on the implications of the suspended sentence for his position, with the issue becoming a matter of concern around FERWAFA leadership.
Shema was elected FERWAFA president in August 2025, succeeding Alphonse Munyantwali. He secured 51 of the 53 votes cast after standing unopposed and had previously served as president of AS Kigali.
During his tenure, Shema publicly outlined plans focused on football development, strengthening domestic competitions and improving infrastructure. FERWAFA said earlier this year that he had been involved in discussions with second-division clubs aimed at improving the quality and competitiveness of Rwanda’s domestic game.
His resignation letter was copied to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, CAF president Patrice Motsepe and CECAFA president Wallace Karia, formally notifying the three football authorities of his departure.
Shema thanked the FERWAFA General Assembly, Executive Committee, staff, partners, supporters and fans, as well as Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, for their support during his time in office.
He also pledged to facilitate a smooth handover of responsibilities as FERWAFA begins the process of transitioning to new leadership.
FERWAFA is now faced with the task of determining interim leadership arrangements and the process for appointing or electing a new president, with Shema’s four-year mandate ending after just over a year.
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