FERWAFA President tightens discipline and pushes tech as Rwanda football enters a new era

 By Uwineza Roger | Sports



Since his unopposed election as president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) on 30 August 2025, Fabrice Shema Ngoga has begun reshaping the domestic game with a twin focus: stricter accountability for match officials and the fast-tracked introduction of technology to reduce controversial decisions. 


FERWAFA’s refereeing commission has moved quickly. Following a review of fourth-matchday officiating, the federation suspended three referees for poor decisions, international referee Claude “Cucuri” Ishimwe (two weeks) and assistant Eric Mugabo (one to four weeks, depending on reports) for errors in APR FC vs Mukura Victory Sports, and Emmanuel Habumugisha for a controversial call in Rayon Sports vs Gasogi United. After one week of the case, another scenario happened in game between Bugesera fc Vs As Muhanga, Commission of referees in Rwanda after reviewing match highlights, Olivier Kwizera (was official referee) is suspended for one month and his assistant referee Seraphin Mbonigena. 


The federation said the measures underline “its commitment to strengthening referee integrity, enhancing officiating standards, and strictly enforcing existing rules.” 


That disciplinary push is paired with efforts to equip the league with modern tools. Shema and FERWAFA have publicly confirmed plans to roll out Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Rwanda Premier League, with tests and initial usage targeted to begin by February 2026, a move league officials say will help cut down on human error and restore confidence in match outcomes. 


Shema’s mandate runs for four years from his August 2025 election, giving him until 2029 to implement his reform agenda.

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