SC Villa held their nerve to claim a narrow 1-0 victory over URA FC at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Friday, securing their first win of the 2026/27 Uganda Premier League campaign.
Reagan Mpande’s 23rd-minute header proved decisive as the Jogoos survived a late URA onslaught and the dismissal of Isaac Mpangi to secure maximum points.
Having surrendered a late lead in their 1-1 draw against Kitara, Villa showed greater resilience this time, particularly in the closing stages when they were forced to defend with ten men.
Mpande broke the deadlock midway through the first half, rising highest to head home from close range after Frank Ssebufu created the opportunity with a well-worked move.
Villa almost doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Jonah Kakande beat his marker before sending his effort narrowly wide.
URA struggled to find a way through but came close to restoring parity shortly before the interval.
Nelson Ssenkatuka, however, could not make proper contact with Moses Aliro’s dangerous delivery.
The second half produced a tense contest as URA increased the pressure in search of an equaliser, while Villa looked for opportunities to put the game beyond doubt.
Andrew Otim came agonisingly close to sealing the points seven minutes from time after lifting the ball over URA goalkeeper Chrispus Kusiima, only for his effort to drift wide.
Villa’s task became considerably tougher in the 85th minute when Mpangi received his second yellow card and was sent off.
With a numerical advantage, URA pressed relentlessly in the final minutes, but the Jogoos stood firm to preserve their slender advantage and register a valuable victory.
The win lifts SC Villa to fifth on the table with four points from two matches, while URA slip to sixth with three points.
