Former Sports Club Villa president Eng. Immanuel Ben Misagga has voiced strong concerns about the club’s governance and electoral integrity following the unopposed re-election of incumbent Hajji Omar Ahmed Hussein ‘Mandela’ as president for another five-year term.

On March 11, 2026, the SC Villa Electoral Commission declared Mandela the winner after he was the only candidate to meet all nomination requirements, including Board of Trustees approval.

Other aspirants—such as Farouk Meywa, Dennis Mbidde, Simeone Kawuma Bulezi, and Misagga-associated figures—either failed to submit forms by the Saturday deadline or did not fulfill the criteria.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, at Royal Suites, Misagga accused a “clique” within the club of undermining governance and turning SC Villa—the record Ugandan champions with 17 Premier League titles—into a “personal enterprise.”

He claimed the leadership manipulated the process by imposing a Shs100 million nomination fee, which discouraged competition and ensured Mandela ran unchallenged.

“I am not seeking to return to the presidency,” Misagga clarified.

“I am fighting for the soul of SC Villa and advocating for governance reforms.”

He called for the reinstatement of club statutes previously ratified by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the creation of a corporate governance structure to give supporters greater voice in decisions.

Misagga questioned the club’s financial management, noting struggles in the transfer market despite past successes under his tenure.

He highlighted the club’s current inability to afford even a Shs20 million player and raised concerns over the handling of approximately Shs3.4 billion received from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) as compensation for Villa Park land—alleging the funds are held in fixed deposits while supporters and the club face difficulties.

He also accused FUFA of bias toward Mandela, claiming the federation ignored a petition for intervention in the electoral process.

The controversy follows earlier tensions, including a near-physical confrontation between Misagga and Mandela during the nomination period and prior disputes over Mandela’s term extension.

Misagga has long criticized the administration for undemocratic practices, stating: “SC Villa is not being run as a democratic sports institution anymore. It is being held hostage. A small group of individuals have locked the gates… for their own benefit.”

No immediate response from Mandela or the club was reported in connection with Misagga’s latest statements.

The re-election ensures continuity under Mandela, who has focused on debt clearance, player welfare, and long-term stability since taking office in November 2021.

However, the public criticisms highlight ongoing divisions within one of Uganda’s most storied football institutions.