By Infora Media
Kampala — Incumbent Omar Ahmed Mandela has emerged as the sole candidate in the presidential race for SC Villa, following the closure of nominations for the club’s leadership elections.
Officials from the club’s Electoral Commission confirmed that although several individuals had initially expressed interest in contesting for the presidency, Mandela was the only aspirant who fulfilled all nomination requirements and returned the necessary documents before the deadline.
The development effectively cleared the way for the incumbent to retain the top position at one of Uganda’s most historic football clubs.
According to the Electoral Commission, at least five individuals had picked nomination forms earlier in the process, signalling interest in challenging for the presidency.
Among those reported to have shown interest were former club president Ben Misagga, Meywa Farooq, Dennis Ssebuggwawo Mbidde, Simeon Kawuma Bulezi and Mandela himself.
However, by the time the nomination window closed, only Mandela had completed the process by submitting the required documents and meeting the set criteria.
Following the conclusion of nominations and subsequent vetting procedures, the commission confirmed Mandela as the only validly nominated candidate.
Despite the outcome, former club president Misagga has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the election procedures.
Speaking in media interviews, Misagga said he declined to participate in what he described as a flawed process, arguing that the nomination arrangements were not handled in a transparent manner.
“I cannot be part of a process that lacks transparency,” Misagga said, adding that the procedures used during the nomination stage raised questions about the credibility of the election.
He also criticised the venue where nomination forms were reportedly being collected, claiming that the exercise was conducted away from the club’s official offices.
“One is required to pick forms from a private property and not the club offices, which means someone could even be accused of trespassing,” he said.
The disagreements between the two leaders were also evident during the nomination phase, when tensions flared as Misagga attempted to pick nomination forms to challenge the incumbent.
The incident highlighted the deep divisions that have characterised leadership contests within the club in recent years.
Misagga previously served as SC Villa president between 2014 and 2018 and has remained an influential voice within the club’s supporter base.
Mandela first assumed leadership of SC Villa in 2021 and has overseen a period of rebuilding for the club.
During his tenure, the team achieved a major milestone by winning the Uganda Premier League title in the 2023/24 season, ending a league drought that had lasted nearly two decades.
His administration has also focused on strengthening the club’s financial structure and expanding youth development initiatives aimed at nurturing future talent.
With the nomination process concluded, Mandela’s confirmation ensures continuity in the leadership of the club as it seeks to consolidate its recent successes.
However, the concerns raised by Misagga and other stakeholders have reignited discussions about governance and democratic practices within the club.
Analysts say addressing such concerns will be important for maintaining unity within the institution and safeguarding the reputation of SC Villa, which remains one of the most decorated clubs in Ugandan football.