The legal situation surrounding Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) President Fabrice Shema Ngoga has taken a new turn after the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed that his case file has been forwarded to the prosecution. RIB said the file was submitted on August 18, 2026, one week after Shema was arrested in connection with allegations of issuing a bounced cheque. The development comes as investigations remain ongoing, with authorities also examining other alleged offences potentially linked to the case. RIB confirms case file was forwarded RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thie

The legal situation surrounding Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) President Fabrice Shema Ngoga has taken a new turn after the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed that his case file has been forwarded to the prosecution. RIB said the file was submitted on August 18, 2026, one week after Shema was arrested in connection with allegations of issuing a bounced cheque. The development comes as investigations remain ongoing, with authorities also examining other alleged offences potentially linked to the case. RIB confirms case file was forwarded RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry confirmed the development to IGIHE, saying that although the case file had been sent to the prosecution, investigations had not yet been completed. “His case file has been sent to the prosecution. Although investigations are still ongoing, he is being investigated for issuing a bad cheque,” Murangira said. Shema was arrested by RIB on August 11, 2026, and was subsequently detained at the RIB station in Kicukiro. RIB has not publicly disclosed detailed information about the other alleged offences under investigation. The forwarding of the case file means the matter has moved into another stage of the legal process, but it does not constitute a finding of guilt. Any criminal responsibility will ultimately be determined through the applicable judicial process. Shema’s rise to the FERWAFA presidency Shema was elected President of FERWAFA on August 30, 2025, during the federation’s Ordinary General Assembly. He secured 51 of the 53 votes, succeeding Alphonse Munyantwali. The executive committee elected alongside him was popularly described as the “Dream Team.” Upon taking office, Shema presented an ambitious vision for the development of Rwandan football. His priorities included strengthening women’s football, youth development and football infrastructure, while improving the overall development of the game and restoring a winning mentality within Rwandan football. At the time, Shema said he wanted to bring positive changes to the way football was developed in the country and build a stronger football system. Six years at AS Kigali Before becoming FERWAFA president, Shema had already established himself as a prominent figure in Rwandan football administration. He served as President of AS Kigali for six years, a period during which the club enjoyed considerable success. Among the trophies won by AS Kigali during his tenure were the 2019 Peace Cup, 2022 Peace Cup and 2022 Super Cup. His experience at club level helped position him as one of the leading candidates to take over the leadership of the national football federation. A businessman outside football Shema’s activities extend beyond football administration. He is the Managing Director/CEO of Africa Medical Supplier Plc (AMS), a company involved in the supply and distribution of medical equipment and pharmaceutical products in Rwanda. His business background was also part of the profile he brought to the FERWAFA presidency as he sought to promote stronger management and development of the sport. Arrest came as regional role was reportedly emerging The arrest also came at a potentially important moment in Shema’s regional football career. According to Inside World Football, Shema had been expected to travel to Tanzania for the CECAFA General Assembly. The regional football body was reportedly expected to announce him as Rwanda’s new representative to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The reported appointment would have expanded Shema’s responsibilities from leading Rwanda’s football federation to representing the country within broader African football structures. However, his arrest has created uncertainty around those plans. Questions over FERWAFA leadership Shema’s detention has also raised questions about the day-to-day leadership of FERWAFA while its elected president remains in custody. At the time of the reports, FERWAFA had not publicly announced whether an interim president or another temporary leadership arrangement would be put in place. The situation has therefore created an unusual challenge for an administration that came into office with promises of major reforms and development across Rwandan football. FERWAFA’s wider history of legal challenges Shema’s case also comes against a backdrop of previous legal difficulties involving senior figures associated with FERWAFA. Inside World Football reported that former senior federation official Adolphe Kalisa has also been detained over allegations linked to his time as Secretary General. Kalisa faces allegations including embezzlement and the use of forged documents in connection with national team travel. The cases are separate, and the allegations against the individuals involved remain matters for the relevant legal processes. What happens next? For now, Shema’s case remains under investigation. RIB has confirmed that the case file has been forwarded to the prosecution, while investigations into the alleged bounced cheque and other potentially related offences continue. The next steps will depend on the findings of the investigation and the decisions taken by the prosecution in accordance with Rwandan law. For FERWAFA, however, the case comes at a sensitive time. Shema had been elected with a strong mandate and had outlined an ambitious programme focused on youth football, women’s football, infrastructure and a stronger competitive culture. His arrest and the subsequent referral of his case to prosecution now leave questions about the federation’s immediate leadership and the future implementation of that programme.

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