Omar Mandela has confirmed he will seek another term as president of SC Villa, with the club setting March 22, 2026 as the date for its next elections and introducing a Shs100 million non refundable nomination fee for all aspiring candidates.
Mandela made the announcement during the club’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday at East High School in Ntinda. Members at the meeting unanimously approved the nomination fee, a sharp rise from the Shs19.5 million charged in the previous election cycle.
Using the AGM to address speculation about his future, Mandela said he had initially not planned to return to the race.
“I never wanted to come back but a few people convinced me. The club was in debt of Shs550 million brought by those making noise in the media,” Says Mandela.
He urged supporters to remain patient as the club continues its rebuilding phase.
“Uganda’s problem is everyone wants already done things. There’s too much noise but I am here. I beg the fans to be patient with the process. To compete on the continent, you need at least five years to build a good team. We are trying to do that. Let’s work together and grow the club. I want to confirm that I am around, I am not going anywhere like it’s been said,” he added.
Mandela returned to the presidency in November 2021, having first stepped down in 2004. Since his comeback, he has overseen a revival at the 17 time league champions, culminating in the 2023 to 2024 Uganda Premier League title that ended a 20 year drought. His tenure has included the recruitment of foreign coaches, improved player welfare and the rebuilding of a competitive squad.
He is expected to face competition from Farouk Meywa, who has expressed interest in the top seat. In the previous election cycle, Meywa did not complete the nomination process after failing to pay the required fee and submitting an incomplete executive list. It remains unclear whether he will meet the newly introduced Shs100 million requirement this time.
SC Villa, also known as the Jogoos, remain Uganda’s most decorated club with 17 league titles, nine Uganda Cups and three CECAFA trophies. They are currently in contention for both the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup this season.
