Overview:
The disgruntled Sports Club Villa fans carried placards displaying different messages as “Free Villa FC”; “We need Fairness”; “Villa is not for sale”. Others cried aloud to the FUFA President Hon. Eng. Moses Hassim Magogo, an ardent registered fan of Sports Club Villa with a message “Magogo, we need help”.
Over 15 people were arrested as Police dispersed a group of disgruntled Sports Club Villa fans who were demonstrating over the “high” Shs 100,000,000 nomination fee for presidential candidates eyeing the club’s supreme seat.
It all started as a tranquil demonstration from the side of Mengo market to the headquarters of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
The disgruntled fans carried placards displaying different messages, such as “Free Villa FC”, “We Need Fairness”, and “Villa is Not for Sale”.
Others cried aloud to the FUFA President Moses Hassim Magogo, an ardent registered fan of Sports Club Villa, with a message, “Magogo, We Need Help”.
The fans chanted songs of praise for their beloved club, founded in 1975, singing aloud “Twagala Villa Nga Sente”, loosely translated as “We love Villa like money”.
“Sports Club Villa is at heart for all of us. You cannot say that a presidential candidate has to pay Shs 100,000,000. This is too much. We call out to the FUFA President and the Speaker of Parliament for intervention,” a one Isma Kawaali remarked.
Heavy rains fell, dispersing the fans. A large fraction of these fans sought shelter at the nearby Rubis Petrol station and Mengo Market.
Moments later, the police arrived at the scene. Upon witnessing the Policemen, several fans ran for their dear life, and this prompted the police to fire tear gas.
Some remained around Rubis Petrol station, others hid in the supermarket and shops. The arrests were then executed by the tough officers, driving the arrestees to Old Kampala Police Station for further questioning.
This development comes in the wake of the upcoming elections for Sports Club Villa, arguably the most supported football brand in Uganda.
With the electoral roadmap well detailed, different aspiring candidates have already picked up the nomination forms prior to the deadline day on Saturday, 7th March 2026.
The SC Villa Electoral Commission chairperson, Brian Kajubi, confirmed that the successful persons to be nominated are those who will have fulfilled all the set conditions, including proof of payment for the Shs 100,000,000 non-refundable nomination fees.
This fee, which was discussed in the fans’ general meeting held at Kulambiro last Saturday, has caused division among the fans, many of whom say the amount is too high.
The club’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Asan Kasingye, has reportedly resigned, citing miscommunication about the nomination fee to be paid.
It remains to be seen how FUFA will react to the ongoing discontent within the Sports Club Villa fans as the set election date of 22nd March 2026 comes knocking.
