By Infora Media
Kampala — Uganda’s record football champions SC Villa are facing renewed internal tensions after incumbent president Omar Ahmed Mandela emerged as the sole candidate in the club’s presidential election, sparking criticism from some members and former leaders.
The controversy has centred on the club’s electoral process, including a Shs100 million nomination fee introduced for aspirants seeking to contest for the presidency, a move that has divided members and intensified debate about governance within the historic club.
According to the club’s Electoral Commission, several individuals initially expressed interest in contesting for the presidency after collecting nomination forms.
However, when the deadline for submission closed in early March 2026, only Mandela returned completed nomination forms and fulfilled all the required conditions, effectively making him the only candidate in the race.
The commission confirmed that at least five members had picked nomination forms during the nomination window, including Meywa Farooq, Dennis Ssebuggwawo Mbidde, Simeon Kawuma Bulezi, Joseph Muguluma Mbazzi (also known as Ben Misagga) and Mandela himself.
With no other aspirant completing the process, the commission forwarded Mandela’s name for vetting and further steps in line with the club’s electoral roadmap.
The election process had earlier generated controversy after members approved a Shs100 million non-refundable nomination fee for the position of club president during an annual general meeting attended by more than 200 supporters.
Supporters of the resolution argued that the fee would ensure that only candidates with sufficient financial capacity to support the club would contest the presidency.
However, critics within the club said the amount was excessive and could discourage potential candidates from participating in the election.
The issue also triggered internal disagreements within the club’s leadership.
The dispute escalated when the club’s spokesperson Asan Kasingye resigned from his position after publicly questioning the Shs100 million nomination fee.
Kasingye had earlier stated that the club constitution provided for a nomination fee of Shs20 million, but the club secretariat later clarified that members had approved the higher amount during a general meeting.
Following the contradiction, Kasingye stepped down from both his spokesperson role and his position on the club’s executive committee, citing lack of communication within the leadership.
Former club president Ben Misagga has also criticised the election process, accusing the organisers of failing to ensure transparency.
In media interviews, Misagga said he could not participate in a process he believed lacked credibility.
“I cannot be part of a process that lacks transparency,” Misagga said, adding that the vetting committee had already taken sides.
He also questioned why nomination forms were reportedly being collected from a private facility rather than the club’s official offices.
The leadership contest was further marked by rising tensions between Misagga and Mandela.
Reports indicated that the two were involved in a heated exchange when Misagga went to collect nomination forms to challenge the incumbent during the nomination period.
The confrontation highlighted the deep divisions that have emerged within the club as members debate the direction of one of Uganda’s most historic football institutions.
Mandela first assumed the presidency of SC Villa in 2021, promising to stabilise the club financially and rebuild its competitive strength.
During his tenure, the club has secured sponsorship partnerships and invested in youth development structures aimed at nurturing future talent.
The team also achieved a major milestone by winning the Uganda Premier League title in the 2023/2024 season, ending a league drought that had lasted nearly two decades.
Despite Mandela’s emergence as the sole candidate, the controversy surrounding the election has reignited debate about governance and democratic participation within the club.
Football analysts say that resolving internal disputes will be crucial for SC Villa if the club is to maintain stability and continue competing at the highest level of Ugandan football.
For many supporters, the challenge now is ensuring that the historic club, founded in 1975 and long regarded as a pillar of Ugandan football, can move past the election disagreements and refocus on its sporting ambitions.