With renovations underway at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, reigning Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions SC Villa have temporarily relocated to Luzira Prisons Grounds to host their home matches.
The ongoing upgrades at Wankulukuku are part of preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the stadium will serve as a training venue.
Renovations include improvements to the dressing rooms, a revamped VIP section, and the installation of floodlights, signaling a significant upgrade to the facility.
Permission has been granted for Villa to use Luzira Prisons Grounds, and their first home game at the venue will be against URA on Saturday, January 4th, 2025.
Notably, the grounds will also host a match on Thursday, January 2nd, when Maroons take on Mbale Heroes.
Villa’s Home Fortresses
Villa has been formidable at home this season, remaining unbeaten at Wankulukuku in seven games, amassing 15 points from four wins and three draws.
Only NEC boasts a better home record with 17 points.
However, their form on the road tells a starkly different story.
Villa is yet to win an away game, collecting just two points from six outings—the poorest away record in the league, tied with bottom-placed Mbale Heroes.
Interestingly, one of Villa’s two away points was earned at Luzira Prisons Grounds, their temporary home, in a 1-1 draw with Maroons.
Their other away point came from a similar stalemate against rivals KCCA.
A Temporary Move, A Challenge Ahead
Villa initially planned to host matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, this season but reverted to Wankulukuku.
Now, with the renovations ongoing, their move to Luzira may feel more like playing away than at home.
The Jogoos will hope their stellar home form carries over to Luzira, but their struggles on the road underline the challenge ahead as they navigate this transitional period.
Can Villa maintain their unbeaten “home” streak in unfamiliar territory?
Only time will tell as the UPL champions adjust to life in Luzira.
