Former SC Villa president Immanuel Ben Misagga has raised fresh concerns about the management of the record Ugandan champions, accusing a group within the club of undermining governance and turning the institution into what he described as a personal enterprise.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday at Royal Suites, Misagga said he could no longer remain silent as the club’s leadership continues to operate without adequate transparency and accountability.
His remarks come a day after the club’s Electoral Committee confirmed incumbent Hajji Omar Mandela as president for another five-year term.
Misagga criticised the electoral process that led to Mandela’s re-election, arguing that the introduction of a Shs100 million nomination fee effectively shut out potential challengers and discouraged competitive participation.
He also questioned the management of approximately Shs3.4 billion reportedly paid by the Uganda National Roads Authority as compensation for the club’s Villa Park property.
According to Misagga, the funds belong to the club but are allegedly being held in fixed-deposit accounts while supporters continue to struggle to support the team.
Although his name appeared among the five individuals who had expressed interest in contesting the presidency — alongside Farouk Meywa, Denis Mbidde and Simeone Kawuma Bulezi — Misagga did not return the nomination forms before the Saturday deadline.
He clarified that he is not seeking to reclaim the presidency but is instead campaigning for structural reforms within the club.
Misagga urged the reinstatement of statutes previously ratified by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and called for the adoption of a corporate governance framework that would give supporters a stronger voice in the club’s decision-making.
“My mission is to rescue SC Villa and restore transparency and accountability,” he said, stressing that his concerns are institutional rather than personal.
Despite insisting he harbours no personal grudge against Mandela, Misagga questioned the club’s current financial strength, noting that the team now struggles to compete in the transfer market.
He contrasted the situation with his own tenure, recalling that the club was able to sign striker Umar Kasumba for Shs36 million, whereas the current leadership reportedly cannot afford players valued at around Shs20 million.
Misagga also accused the Federation of Uganda Football Associations of siding with Mandela’s leadership after the federation allegedly failed to respond to a petition seeking its intervention in the club’s electoral process.
