More than 15 supporters of Sports Club Villa were arrested on Friday after police dispersed a protest against the Shs 100 million nomination fee required for candidates seeking the club’s presidency.
The demonstrators had earlier staged a peaceful march from the Mengo Market area toward the offices of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), demanding intervention over what they described as an exorbitant fee that could lock out capable leaders from contesting for the club’s top seat.
Carrying placards with messages such as “Free Villa FC,” “We Need Fairness,” and “Villa is Not for Sale,” the fans appealed directly to FUFA President Moses Hassim Magogo to address their grievances.
Many protesters also sang songs praising their beloved club, founded in 1975, chanting “Twagala Villa Nga Sente,” loosely translated as “We love Villa like money.”
One of the demonstrators, Isma Kawaali, criticised the nomination requirement, saying it unfairly limits participation in the club’s leadership race.
He called upon both Magogo and the Speaker of Parliament to intervene and ensure fairness in the upcoming elections.
What began as a calm demonstration, however, soon descended into chaos after a heavy downpour scattered the crowd.
Many protesters took shelter at nearby facilities, including a Rubis petrol station and stalls around Mengo Market.
Shortly afterward, police arrived at the scene. The presence of security officers triggered panic among some demonstrators, prompting several to flee.
Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the remaining crowd.
Some supporters sought refuge in nearby supermarkets and shops, while others remained near the petrol station.
Officers subsequently carried out arrests and transported the detained fans to Old Kampala Police Station for questioning.
The protest comes amid growing tensions ahead of the forthcoming leadership elections at Sports Club Villa, widely regarded as one of Uganda’s most popular and historically successful football clubs.
Many supporters fear that the high nomination fee could undermine democratic participation in the club’s governance.
