SC Villa sets March 22 for presidential polls as Mandela confirms re-Election bid

Record Ugandan champions SC Villa have fixed March 22 as the date for their long-awaited presidential elections, bringing clarity to a process that had previously been postponed.

The decision was reached during the club’s Annual General Meeting held in Ntinda, a suburb of Kampala, at East High School in Kulambiro.

Registered members under the Villa Members Trust (VMT) endorsed the timeline and outlined key electoral guidelines, including a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs100 million for aspirants seeking the presidency.

The vetting of candidates is expected to commence in the coming days.

The elections had initially been scheduled for November last year but were deferred by the Board of Trustees, a move that extended the tenure of the current administration.

Incumbent president Omar Mandela has since confirmed he will seek another term, dismissing speculation about his departure and pledging continuity at the club.

“I never intended to return, but I was persuaded by a few individuals. The club was burdened with a debt of Shs550 million, accumulated by those now making the loudest noise in the media,” Mandela said.

“There is too much impatience. Building a competitive continental side requires at least five years. We are laying that foundation. I am here to stay, and I urge our supporters to trust the process.”

Mandela resumed leadership in November 2021, marking a comeback nearly two decades after his initial exit in 2004.

He is expected to face competition from Farouk Meywa, who has also expressed interest in the top seat.

Founded in 1975, SC Villa remain Uganda’s most decorated football institution, boasting 17 league titles, nine Uganda Cup triumphs and three CECAFA crowns.

The Jogoos are still in contention for silverware this season — through their Uganda Cup round-of-16 berth — and currently sit third in the Uganda Premier League standings, four points adrift of leaders Vipers SC.

With both administrative and sporting ambitions in focus, the March 22 polls are poised to shape the next chapter of one of Ugandan football’s most storied clubs.