FERWAFA president Shema Ngoga joins CECAFA executive committee after Djibouti elections

Rwanda’s football chief secures a key regional leadership role as CECAFA appoints new office bearers for its next mandate. Today on 7 February, the President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Ngoga, has been elected to the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Executive Committee following the Elective General Assembly held in Djibouti on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The assembly brought together presidents and senior delegates from CECAFA’s 12 member associations to elect new leaders who will steer the regional football body over the next

Rwanda’s football chief secures a key regional leadership role as CECAFA appoints new office bearers for its next mandate. Today on 7 February, the President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Ngoga, has been elected to the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Executive Committee following the Elective General Assembly held in Djibouti on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The assembly brought together presidents and senior delegates from CECAFA’s 12 member associations to elect new leaders who will steer the regional football body over the next mandate, while also discussing strategic and administrative priorities for football development across East and Central Africa.

Cecafa elected committee today in Djibouti

New CECAFA Leadership Confirmed

During the elections, Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam, President of the Eritrean National Football Federation, was elected unopposed as CECAFA President, marking the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the regional governing body. His appointment reflects member associations’ confidence in his vision to strengthen governance structures, improve competitions, and accelerate football development within the zone. The President of the Somali Football Federation, Ali Abdi Mohamed, was elected as CECAFA Vice President, reinforcing broader representation within the leadership.

Regional Recognition for Rwanda

Shema Ngoga’s election is being viewed as a major milestone for Rwandan football, underlining FERWAFA’s increasing influence in regional football governance. His presence on the Executive Committee is expected to contribute to policy formulation, strategic planning, and the advancement of football development initiatives across CECAFA member countries.

Members of cecafa who attended the general assembly

Speaking after the vote, Shema Ngoga pledged to support the new administration in delivering sustainable growth for football in the region. “I will help the new leadership in ensuring that it achieves its deserved growth and sustainability, while increasing the level of development and competition and strengthening collaboration with CAF, FIFA and other partners,” he said.

Elected Members

The General Assembly confirmed the following appointments:

CECAFA President:

• Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (Eritrea)

CECAFA Vice President:

• Ali Abdi Mohamed (Somalia)

Other Executive Committee Members:

• Francis Amin Michael (South Sudan) • Fabrice Shema Ngoga (Rwanda – FERWAFA)

Key Decisions Beyond Elections

In addition to leadership elections, delegates approved the CECAFA budget for 2026 and adopted the CECAFA Competitions Calendar for 2026, setting the framework for regional tournaments and activities throughout the year. Officials said the decisions aim to enhance organizational efficiency, strengthen competition planning, and support football growth at all levels within the region.

Strengthening Regional Football Cooperation

The successful conclusion of the Elective General Assembly in Djibouti reaffirmed CECAFA’s commitment to good governance, regional cooperation, and continued development of football across East and Central Africa.

CECAFA is composed of 12 member associations:

Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, and Zanzibar. With Shema Ngoga now elected to the Executive Committee, Rwanda is expected to play an even stronger role in shaping the future of football governance and development within the CECAFA zone.