The Gasabo Primary Court has postponed the case involving Kalisa Adolphe, commonly known as Camarade, the former Secretary General of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), who is facing charges of embezzlement and forgery.
The hearing on his provisional detention was held on Friday, September 19, 2025, with only a few attendees, including limited media presence. Prosecutors have accused Kalisa of two offenses: embezzlement of funds and the use of forged documents allegations he denies.
During the session, Kalisa’s lawyer, Me Bizimana, was given the floor to proceed with the defense but immediately raised concerns, arguing that neither he nor his client had been given sufficient time to prepare for the hearing.
He explained that his client had only received the case file very late, leaving no opportunity to thoroughly review it or to discuss it with his lawyer. According to Bizimana, the file was handed to Kalisa on the evening of September 18, less than 24 hours before the court session.
Initially, the defense requested three working days to prepare, suggesting a return to court the following Thursday. The three days, Bizimana said, would allow Kalisa two days to read the entire case file and one day to consult with his lawyer.
Later, however, the defense adjusted its request, asking for the hearing to be pushed to September 29, 2025, citing potential disruptions in Kigali due to road closures during the upcoming UCI Road World Championships.
The presiding judge dismissed this argument, stressing that such events would not prevent access to court and noting that hearings on provisional detention must be expedited. The judge emphasized that waiting until September 29 would amount to unnecessary delays.
The prosecution, for its part, indicated it was ready to proceed at any time. Ultimately, the court postponed the case to September 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Gasabo Primary Court.
Kalisa served as Secretary General of FERWAFA from August 2023 to August 2025. He was arrested on September 4, 2025, by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) following preliminary findings that provided reasonable grounds to suspect him of the alleged crimes.
Under Rwandan law, anyone convicted of embezzlement faces imprisonment of not less than seven years but not more than 10 years, in addition to a fine equivalent to three to five times the value of the embezzled property.
Those found guilty of forgery or the use of forged documents are liable to a prison term of five to seven years and a fine ranging from Rwf 3 million to Rwf 5 million, or both.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
