Shema was elected on Saturday, February 7, during the CECAFA 2026 General Assembly in Djibouti, where member associations chose new leadership and discussed the development of football in the region. Twelve associations attended the assembly, which elected officials to serve four-year terms.
Shema, elected FERWAFA President in August 2025, will join the CECAFA Executive Committee to support sustainable development, enhance regional competitions, and strengthen cooperation with CAF, FIFA, and other stakeholders. He has also recently joined FIFA’s committee tasked with combating racism and discrimination in football.
Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam of Eritrea was elected CECAFA President, with Ali Abdi Mohamed of Somalia as Vice President. South Sudan’s Francis Amin Michael also joins the Executive Committee.
CECAFA’s current members include Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Zanzibar, and South Sudan.
The election comes as CECAFA prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The partnership agreement was signed by the president of the two institutions, Ahmed Yahya and Fabrice Shema Ngoga on Thursday, January 22 at the headquarters of the Mauritanian Football Federation after a three-day working visit which started on January 20.
The agreement between the FERWAFA and FFRIM will focus on improving administrative leadership and governance, internal financial management, audit and evaluation procedures within both federations, technical development, infrastructure development, training of referees, including for VAR technology, as well as the organization of friendly matches, notably for women’s football.
Other areas of partnership include; structuring and organizing national competitions, organizing international competitions and sporting events, developing strategic frameworks and target contracts binding the two federations to FIFA and CAF, digitalization, marketing and communication and exchange of best practices.
During the visit, the FERWAFA delegation participated in presentations by various departments of the Mauritanian Football Federation namely, SG office, DTN, Finance, Refereeing, Women’s Football, Beach Soccer and Futsal, TV. The visit provided an in-depth exchange of organizational methods, mechanisms of action, and strategic projects of the federation.
The two parties also agreed to establish a framework and mechanisms for ongoing consultation and regular monitoring.
Additionally, both parties have mandated their respective administrations to monitor the implementation and execution of the various agreements reached.
In 2021, he made history as the first Rwandan to sign with an NFL team, later continuing his career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), a journey defined as much by resilience and service as by sport.
His story begins in Zambia, where his parents sought refuge after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The family later relocated to the United States when he was just two years old, and his early years were marked by constant movement. From New York to Illinois and through towns including Hinsdale, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook, each new place helped shape his resilience and determination from a young age.
“It was a lot of movement early on. We were trying to put the pieces together,” Rugamba told IGIHE in a recent exclusive Zoom interview, adding that adjusting to a new country as a large family was particularly challenging due to limited resources.
After settling in America, Rugamba recalls his parents’ stories of life in the refugee camp. “We all lived in a hut, about 25 to 30 of us lying next to each other,” he recalled. ‘Despite the hardships, family was always the most important thing. That sense of togetherness kept our spirits up.”
His mother played a pivotal role in his journey. Born three months premature, she named him Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us,” a testament to faith and hope. “She was my rock. She keeps me grounded and humble. She showed me that I could do anything if I wanted to,” Rugamba said.
His mother worked tirelessly, putting herself through nursing school while taking English classes and supporting a family of ten.
{{A chance encounter with football
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Sports weren’t a part of Rugamba’s early plan, but a twist of fate changed everything. At nine years old, he was too young to join basketball at the local recreation centre, and his mother, determined to keep him active, enrolled him in football instead.
“It changed my life forever,” he said, adding that football became his passion and his path forward.
High school brought new opportunities and mentorship. Coach Tim Lavery and Head Coach Michael Stein recognised Rugamba’s talent and guidance, encouraging him to pursue scholarships and professional opportunities.
He really changed my life, because simply having knowledge of that opportunity meant everything. Not everybody has that knowledge, especially when you come from an immigrant family where everyone is just trying to put the pieces together,” he revealed.
Rugamba’s work ethic and mental toughness set him apart.
“I wasn’t the fastest player on the field. I wasn’t the highest jumper, and I wasn’t the strongest. But I can confidently say that I believed I was the best player on the field whenever I stepped out there,” he said.
“That’s what you have to do, because football is a mental game, and about 70% of what happens on the field happens between your ears.”
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In 2021, Rugamba achieved a milestone by joining the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. The experience was thrilling yet daunting.
“I knew I wanted to be a football player, but I didn’t realise I was making history for Rwanda,” he said.
After seven months with the Browns, he transitioned to the CFL, playing for the Vancouver BC Lions and earning rookie-of-the-year nominations and all-star recognition. Rugamba described the CFL as faster-paced and more offence-driven than the NFL, highlighting the differences in field size, player count, and style of play.
{{Giving back
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While Rugamba’s football achievements are impressive, his off-field work defines him just as much. Through his nonprofit, Vision Forward Foundation, he has spoken at over 120 schools across Canada and the U.S., addressing inclusion, resilience, and anti-bullying.
“Football can only take you so far, but the message you give to the next generation lasts forever,” he said.
He is passionate about expanding opportunities for young Africans in sports, including in Rwanda.
“The biggest barriers are knowledge, opportunity, and resources,” Rugamba explained.
He welcomed Rwanda’s growing presence in American football, particularly the Visit Rwanda partnership with the Los Angeles Rams, signed in September last year, calling it a powerful step toward expanding opportunity.
“When I saw that partnership, I couldn’t stop smiling,” he said. “I know what football can bring.”
For aspiring Rwandan and African players, Rugamba shares a simple truth: “Ask a million questions. Find mentors. Be humble and willing to learn. That’s how you get to the international stage.”
Looking ahead, Rugamba is eager to return to Rwanda, first to pay respects at the Genocide Memorial, then to engage with youth, sports organizations and policymakers. Through his foundation and partnerships, he hopes to bring mentorship programs and sports development initiatives back home.
“I want to be home,” he said. “I want to see the youth, build programs, and give back in every way I can.”
One programme making this possible is the Tony Football Excellence Program (TFEP). By providing structured training, mentorship, and exposure beyond Rwanda’s borders, TFEP is helping promising players take the first steps toward professional football careers abroad.
Now in its third year, TFEP has prioritised building partnerships with international clubs, offering selected players the chance to gain experience by training with professional teams abroad.
This year, the programme facilitated an opportunity for two young Rwandan talents, Kwizera Fils Elysée, from Muyumbu Sector in Rwamagana District, and Sangwa Nabil Nassem, from Nyakabanda Sector in Kicukiro District, to train with Al Nasr FC in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The two players are set to spend ten days training with the club, an experience that remains rare for Rwandan children. Speaking to IGIHE, their families shared the journeys that led to this milestone.
{{Sangwa’s journey to TFEP
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Sangwa’s mother, Iragena Ashoura, revealed that her son’s sporting journey did not begin with football.
“I am not a big fan of football, I love karate,” Iragena said. “When Sangwa was younger, I introduced him to karate at the age of five, six or seven. But when he turned eight, he developed an interest in football. I asked him what he wanted, and he told me he wanted to play football. That’s when he joined Shining Academy in Kimironko.”
According to Iragena, it was Sangwa himself who discovered TFEP and took the initiative to apply.
“He is a very curious child who always looks for information. He was the one who told me about TFEP and even emailed Tony using my phone. They responded and called me to confirm where we lived and when the selection would take place in Kicukiro. That’s how he went, and luckily, he succeeded. I am very proud that he achieved this largely on his own.”
Although she was initially concerned about her son leaving home at a young age, Iragena later came to appreciate TFEP’s balance between football development and education.
“When they told me Tony operates in Musanze, I was hesitant. My son was still in primary school, and I did not like the idea of him being so far away. But after consulting friends and family, I realised it was for his own good. I saw him grow, both in football and academically; he scored 90 per cent. From then on, I fully supported him, wherever his journey may take him.”
{{Sangwa’s determination to seize the opportunity
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Now 13, Sangwa says he is determined to make the most of his training stint with Al Nasr and take another step towards his dream.
“My mother first introduced me to karate, but I always loved football because I admired Neymar Jr,” he said. “The team I played for, Cercle Sportifs, could not take me very far, so one of my relatives helped me join Shining Academy.”
Reflecting on the opportunity in Dubai, Sangwa added, “I plan to perform well, just as I did at Tony. They trusted me not only because of my skills, but because they believed in me. I will continue to give my best, and by God’s will, when I return, more opportunities will come.”
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For Kwizera, football has been part of his life from an early age, shaped largely by his family environment. His father, Ndababonye Joël, is both a football fan and a coach.
“The first day I got a football was when my uncle brought one from Kigali,” Kwizera recalled. “I played with my older brother, and at that time, my father was also playing football. We loved watching him. One day, he took me to where he coached, and I played with the under-13s.”
Kwizera narrated that his father later formed a football team, where he continued to develop before joining TFEP.
“I grew up in that team. Later, I did the trials for Tony Football Excellence Program, passed, and joined.”
Kwizera’s father confirmed that he recognised his son’s talent early, prompting him to create a platform for young players in their community.
“I founded Green Lovers Academy in 2018 in Muyumbu, Rwamagana, out of my love for football,” Ndababonye said. “That’s where Kwizera developed his skills and was later recognised by local coaches.”
Kwizera’s mother, Mukeshimana Marie Rose, also believed in her son’s potential, though she admits she worried about the physical risks involved.
“I always knew he would become a footballer,” she said. “Both his father and I love football, and when I saw how committed he was, I told him that one day he would play professionally.”
“Of course, I worried about injuries. Sometimes he would come home hurt, asking for ointment. But despite those moments, I continued to support him.”
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Kwizera says his ultimate goal is to surpass what his father was unable to achieve in football.
“I want to go far and keep improving,” he said. “My father wanted to play at the highest level, but it did not work out for him. I am working hard to fulfil that dream. I believe that when I return from Dubai, even more opportunities will open up for me.”
The increase follows recent upgrades to Kigali’s international golf course, which now includes additional facilities such as tennis courts, a gym and expanded clubhouse amenities designed to serve golfers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Speaking at the annual members’ appreciation event, Donel Rama, Golf Operations Manager at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas, said the expansion has significantly increased both usage and membership.
“At present, the facility can host up to 1,000 people, depending on the nature of the activities taking place. We currently have 726 registered members, including 566 active golf players,” Rama said.
Membership is offered under several annual subscription categories, tailored to different user needs. These range from packages for regular golfers to options targeting wellness users and families, as well as special rates for junior players.
The packages include Platinum Membership at Frw 5 million per year, Golf Membership at Frw 4 million, International Premium Membership at Frw 3.25 million, Elite Wellness Membership at Frw 2.6 million, and Social Membership at Frw 1.6 million. Corporate Membership, which allows up to five individuals to share access, is priced at Frw 29.5 million annually.
Junior golf training programmes are also available, with fees set at Frw 400,000 for children under 12 years, Frw 600,000 for those under 15, Frw 800,000 for those under 18, and Frw 2 million for youths aged between 19 and 25.
In a move aimed at widening access, Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas has begun introducing selected services for non-members, marking a shift towards greater public engagement with the facility.
As part of this initiative, the golf course will host New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, with members of the public allowed entry at a fee of Frw 100,000. The event, sponsored by Sensitive Group and featuring DJ Marnoud, will grant attendees access to a range of on-site services as they usher in the New Year.
Management of the Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course (RUGC), which oversees the development, said the move is part of a broader strategy to increase utilisation ahead of the planned resumption of Phase II of the project, estimated to cost about $140 million.
The second phase is expected to include residential units surrounding the golf course and a high-end hotel. Once implemented, the investment is projected to generate average annual returns of about 13 per cent over a 15-year period.
The fourth edition of the Africa Youth Games is taking place in Luanda, Angola, from 10 to 20 December 2025, with 54 countries participating. Rwanda is competing in six sports: Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Swimming, and Cycling.
In the cycling events held on 12 and 13 December, Akimana teamed up with Iransetsa Amina. While Akimana stood on the podium twice, finishing second in the time trial and third in the road race, Iransetsa placed 17th.
Strong performances at the games, held in Angola for the first time, will help Rwandan athletes qualify for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled in Dakar in 2026.
The move positions Rwanda as an emerging motorsport hub on the continent, strengthening its capacity to develop new riding disciplines, nurture local talent, and ultimately host international motorcycling events.
During the Assembly, FIM President Jorge Viegas welcomed Rwanda into the global motorcycling community, describing the nation’s admission as an important addition to the federation’s expanding membership.
Christian Gakwanya, President of the Rwanda Motorsport Federation, represented the country at the Assembly and hailed the milestone as a transformative moment for the sector.
“We are extremely happy for this achievement. Motorcycling has been part of our motorsport activities for years, and with the support and guidance of our government through the Ministry of Sports, we have developed a new roadmap focused on diversification, capacity building, and the ambition to host international events, including major motorcycling competitions,” he said.
Gakwanya extended gratitude to member federations for their support, adding that Rwanda looks forward to active collaboration within the FIM community.
The achievement builds on Rwanda’s rising global profile in motorsport, coming just one year after the country successfully hosted the FIA General Assembly and Awards in Kigali, a historic event that reinforced international confidence in Rwanda’s organisational capacity and commitment to motorsport development.
Following the admission, beginning January 2026, Rwanda’s national motorsport calendar will expand to include new disciplines such as motocross, enduro, and trials, opening pathways for new riders and elevating local competition standards.
{{Rwanda’s push for Formula 1
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Rwanda’s motorsport ambitions extend beyond motorcycling. On December 13, 2024, President Paul Kagame announced that the country is formally bidding to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a move that would bring the world’s most prestigious racing series back to Africa for the first time since 1993.
The initiative follows months of discussions between Rwandan officials and Formula 1 leadership, including CEO Stefano Domenicali, with the nation positioning itself as a strong candidate to revive Africa’s presence on the F1 calendar.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is beginning to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix,” President Kagame said during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali. “We are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together, we will build something we can all be proud of.”
The bid aligns with Rwanda’s broader strategy to attract major global sporting events and strengthen its reputation as a dynamic, forward-looking sporting destination.
The regional tournament, scheduled for December 6–9, 2025, will bring together ten countries from the East and Central African region as they vie for places in next year’s continental finals for school-based teams.
Rwanda is among the nations fielding both boys’ and girls’ squads. The teams left Kigali early on Thursday, December 4, 2025, ahead of the CAF African Schools Championship CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
Before departure, Louise Ndengeyingoma, Chairperson of the Governance and Legal Commission at FERWAFA, encouraged the young players to aim high and uphold discipline.
“You carry the national flag on your chest,” she said. “Approach your matches with focus, display discipline, and remember to balance your education with your talent. This journey is not just about winning a single game; it is about raising Rwanda’s profile.”
The boys’ tournament will feature Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia.
The girls’ competition will include Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
The qualifiers will also feature young referees participating under CAF’s talent development programme and will include D-level coaching clinics.
Phocas worked with five groups of 11 participants each, rotating every two hours and 12 minutes. The event aimed to surpass the previous African record held by South Africa’s Team Durban Fit Squad, which completed eight hours of aerobics in 2022.
Phocas told IGIHE that he focused on the “aerobics workout step,” the style his team regularly practices.
“I wanted to attempt an African record under our Onzestar name. The world record is much longer, up to 39 hours, with varied activities. I chose to focus on what we know best,” he said.
At the conclusion of the 11-hour session, participants celebrated their achievement. Though visibly fatigued, Phocas praised his team, saying, “This was a major event for Africa and for Rwanda. I told my team I was representing our country. Sometimes, dedication to your nation is necessary, even when it is challenging.”
The event was livestreamed on YouTube to allow independent verification. Guinness World Records rules allow five minutes of rest after every hour. Phocas structured the event in two-hour blocks with 10-minute breaks, which also served to thank participants. The achievement is currently awaiting official confirmation from record authorities.
Phocas highlighted the extensive preparation required: “We trained for five months. You cannot attempt this in a single day without preparation. Normally, we train one and a half hours daily, gradually increasing weekly to ten hours. This ensured we were ready for the challenge.”
During the marathon, participants relied on water, juice, and fruit to sustain energy. Participants described the preparation as essential for completing the event.
William Uwiringiyimana said, “It was a well-organised event showcasing the importance of sports. It required effort, but our commitment paid off.”
Zache Niyonkuru added, “We prepared for days, even practising uphill exercises. During the first five hours, it is easy to get exhausted, but determination kept us going to finish the challenge.”
Phocas Kagorora has been a fitness trainer since 2017 and founded Onzestar to promote sports, tourism, and outdoor activities such as hiking.
The inaugural Africa Cycling Excellence Awards (ACEA) ceremony honoured Africa’s cyclists of the year on Saturday evening in Kigali, in the presence of Rwanda’s Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, CAC President Yao Allah-Kouamé and Freddy Kamuzinzi, promoter of ACEA.
In the men’s category, Girmay topped the rankings ahead of fellow Eritreans Henok Mulubrhan and Milkias Maekele, who had also been shortlisted in the top three.
The Eritrean has been voted Africa’s best cyclist for the fifth time, following his successes in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. The former Tour de France green jersey winner has once again had a magnificent season, with podium finishes in the biggest races proving his consistency at the highest level worldwide.
On the women’s side, Kim Le Court edged out Ethiopia’s Kahsay Tsige Kiros and Selam Amha Gerefiel.
The Mauritian rider demonstrated her talent this season by winning a stage of the Tour de France and becoming the first African woman to wear the yellow jersey (for four days). She also won the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the spring, the first time an African rider has won a World Tour event.
The finalists had been narrowed down from a larger pool of 18 cyclists, which included two Rwandans: Ingabire Diane and Nirere Xaveline.
For this first award in the amateur category reserved for riders who do not belong to a professional UCI team, Burkina Faso champion Paul Daumont won over the jury members with his dedication and experience, which have made him one of the most successful cyclists on the continent for several years.
He took first place ahead of South African Blaine Kieck, winner of several races in France, and Malian Tiemoko Diamouténé, who won stages in three major national tours, in Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
Eritrea’s national team was crowned Team of the Year after outperforming Rwanda and Mauritius.
{{Regional and national winners also recognised
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The awards also honoured outstanding cyclists within the East African Community (EAC). In this category, Nsengiyumva Odette from Burundi won the women’s award, while Charles Kagimu of Uganda claimed the men’s title.
In Rwanda, Masengesho Vainqueur of Benediction Club was named the best male cyclist of the year, with Nirere Xaveline, who races for Team Amani of Kenya, winning the women’s award.
Rwanda has also been selected to host the ACEA awards again in 2026 before the event rotates to other countries on the continent.
