SC Villa set for pivotal elections with Mandela ready to defend seat

Record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa have officially mapped out the next chapter of their leadership, confirming March 22 as the date for the club’s presidential elections.

The decision was reached during the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with the vetting of candidates expected to begin in the coming days.

The AGM, held at East High School Kulambiro Ntinda on Sunday, attracted registered members under the Villa Members Trust (VMT).

AGM – Happening Now!

📍 East High School- Kulambiro#TheJogoos🔵 pic.twitter.com/2J9fZWy7nP

— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) March 1, 2026

Among the key resolutions was a unanimous agreement that all presidential aspirants must pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs100 million ($27,723), an amount intended to streamline the process and attract serious contenders.

The elections had initially been scheduled for November last year but were postponed by the Board of Trustees.

Attention quickly turned to the incumbent, Al Hajji Omar Mandela, who used the AGM to confirm he will seek another term.

Mandela revealed that his return to the race followed persuasion from close associates, citing the club’s fragile financial position when he resumed leadership. He noted that Villa had inherited debts of about Shs550 million ($152,479) and urged supporters to remain patient as the club continues a long-term rebuilding process aimed at continental competitiveness.

Mandela, who returned to the helm in November 2021 after stepping aside in 2004, is expected to face competition from Farouk Meywa, who has also expressed interest in the presidency.

Meywa previously fell short of nomination requirements, and it remains to be seen whether he will meet the new financial threshold and submit a complete executive list this time.

On the pitch, SC Villa’s resurgence under Mandela has been evident. He oversaw the end of a 20-year league title drought in the 2023/24 season and championed reforms including improved player welfare and the recruitment of foreign coaches.

This season, the Jogoos remain in contention for both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, sitting among the frontrunners and within touching distance of leaders Vipers SC.

Founded in 1975, SC Villa remain Uganda’s most decorated club, boasting a record 17 league titles, nine Uganda Cups and three CECAFA Cups, credentials that continue to fuel high expectations as the club heads into a pivotal election period.