Record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa are staring at another summer of upheaval, with five senior players reportedly on the verge of departing the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Midfielders Ronald Ssekiganda, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and Aslam Ssemakula have all become free agents following the expiry of their contracts, while defender Arnold Odong and midfielder Tonny Atukunda, both with six months left on their deals, are free to engage in pre-contract negotiations with interested clubs.
According to sources close to the club, Rwanda’s APR have already opened talks with Ssekiganda and reports indicate that the experienced midfielder has accepted their offer.
Meanwhile, Kakande, who was instrumental in SC Villa’s 2023/24 title-winning campaign, has attracted interest from several top-flight clubs, including Vipers, KCCA, and NEC.
Despite the mounting speculation, Kakande has expressed loyalty to SC Villa, stating publicly that he cannot imagine playing for another Ugandan side.
However, Tanzanian giants Simba are also said to be monitoring his situation closely. KCCA could have an edge in the race for Kakande’s signature, owing to the presence of his former coach Jackson Magera and ex-teammates Umar Lutalo and Gavin Kizito at the club.
Kakande capped his season with eight goals and a series of influential performances in 26 league appearances, earning him interest from several suitors.
Elsewhere, Tonny Atukunda remains non-committal about his future, though NEC has emerged as a potential destination. Kitara have also reportedly expressed interest in the composed midfielder.
Aslam Ssemakula, who had a solid season across league and cup competitions, is reportedly in advanced negotiations with KCCA. Sources suggest the attacking midfielder is open to a move to the Kasasiro Boys, who are aiming to bolster their squad after a mixed campaign.
Defensive stalwart Arnold Odong is also attracting attention, with Kitara reportedly engaged in talks to secure his services. The defender is said to be receptive to a move, pending agreement on personal terms.
This possible mass exit comes just a year after the departures of several high-profile players, including former captain Kenneth Ssemakula, Umar Lutalo, and Gavin Kizito.
SC Villa, who finished the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League season in sixth place with 45 points, may once again be forced into a squad rebuild as they look to reclaim their dominance in Ugandan football.
