The handover ceremony took place at FERWAFA headquarters on Thursday, October 29, following Shema’s resignation on September 29, 2026.
In a letter to the federation’s General Assembly, Shema linked his decision to his personal conduct, saying stepping down was necessary to protect FERWAFA’s integrity, maintain public confidence and ensure its activities continued without disruption.
Speaking during the handover, he thanked those who had supported him and pledged to remain involved in Rwandan football.
“I am not leaving football behind. I will continue attending matches at the stadium and will accompany Amavubi on various occasions. I hope we will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
Shema’s resignation came amid a court case related to his medical equipment business, Africa Medical Supplier. He had faced charges of issuing bounced cheques and obtaining another person’s property through fraud.
On September 22, Nyarugenge Primary Court ordered his release after he accepted a plea agreement with the prosecution. The prosecution told the court that he had made the required payment and requested a six-month suspended sentence for one year and a fine of Rwf3 million.
FERWAFA’s presidential eligibility rules stipulate that candidates must not have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for more than six months.
Gasarabwe pledges continuity
Gasarabwe, who previously served as FERWAFA’s First Vice President in charge of Finance and Administration, pledged to maintain ongoing projects while making adjustments where necessary.
“We will not abandon the project we started when we were elected. If necessary, we will refine it for the benefit of Rwandan football,” she said.
She also called for unity, professionalism, improved performance and accountability within the federation.
Shema’s record
Shema took office in 2025, prioritising improved finances for football clubs and greater self-sufficiency.
During his tenure, FERWAFA distributed Rwf484 million in prize money to eight teams in the men’s top-flight league. The champions received Rwf80 million, while the team finishing eighth earned Rwf10 million.
He also supported efforts to recruit talented Rwandan players based abroad for the national team, Amavubi, and facilitated a training camp for the team in Egypt.
However, he leaves office without achieving his stated ambitions of guiding Rwanda to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Rwanda last appeared at AFCON in 2004.
Gasarabwe now faces the task of maintaining the federation’s ongoing programmes as it navigates the leadership change and continues preparations for upcoming football competitions.
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