Africa-Press – Uganda. The dust is back in it’s tickest form to cloud Uganda Premier League record champions Sports Club Villa.
After a rare period of sustained relative calm, Joseph Muguluma Mbazzi, a former club member, has thrown the Jogoos into fresh turbulence with demands that president Omar Ahmed Mandela leaves office.
Mbazzi claims Mandela has continued to act as club head despite the expiry of his term last month.
In a letter dated December 4, 2025, Mbazzi, through his lawyers Kasiko Advocates, informed Mandela that his four-year mandate, which began on November 13, 2021 had “lapsed on the 13th day of November 2025” and that no official instrument had been issued to extend his stay in office.
According to the lawyers, their client insists that Mandela’s continued performance of presidential duties is unlawful.
The letter states that it had “come to our client’s attention that you have proceeded to execute official duties as a president of SC Villa contrally to the provisions of the laws… putting the reputation of the club at stake.”
Mbazzi demanded that Mandela immediately stop executing presidential duties, refrain from representing the club in any official capacity, and prepare to hand over all club records, financial documents, inventories, contracts, and property.
Among the eight demands listed, the letter also asked Mandela to “Immediately Account for all the monies received from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)” and to produce “a copy of the instrument that ceased you as member of the Board of Trustees” during his time as club president.
The letter further requested an inventory and accountability for activities carried out from November 14, 2025, onwards. Kasiko Advocates warned that non-compliance within 14 days would force their client to take legal action.
“Should you fail to adhere to our client’s demands… Our client is determined to institute proceedings against you for abuse of office and false Accounting among the other legal actions that will be taken at your own risk and embarrassment,” the letter reads.
Copies of the letter were also sent to local football federation Fufa President Moses Magogo and Fufa CEO Edgar Watson, as well as the National Council for Sports.
At the time of writing, Villa had not yet issued a public response, and it remains unclear whether the club leadership will formally address the concerns raised by Mbazzi.
SC Villa remains Uganda’s most decorated football club, boasting a long history of league success and domestic cup triumphs. Villa are record 17-time champions.
After winning their 16th league trophy in 2004, the Jogoos endured a barren spell of 20 years without a league crown, during which time they had to put up with many major insights and leadership changes.
Mandela, a business magnate famed for Cafe Javas and City Oil and City Tyres among other interests, stabilised the affairs at the club, and they won their 17th title two seasons ago.
Even during times of internal tension, Villa has continued to command a large following and a strong identity in local football.
Mandela’s leadership has often been associated with attempts to rebuild structures, professionalize club operations, and restore competitive strength.
However, despite having spent decades at Villa in various top roles, including treasurer and chairman for administration, he has not always enjoyed a smooth tenure.
His reign has been marked by disputes such as the 2004 clash with fans over gate charges for the Villa-Iganga match.
During his time at the helm, the club has also faced claims of underpaying players and coaches, along with long-standing concerns about its failure to secure a permanent home.
Though the club has faced challenges, Mandela’s stewardship has been viewed by some analysts as a bridge between the club’s illustrious past and its attempts to reposition itself for future success.
His leadership in steering the Jogoos to their long-awaited 2023/24 league title after decades without one remains a remarkable achievement.
The latest dispute over the presidency now places his legacy at a crossroads, with the coming weeks likely to determine whether Villa can resolve its internal issues while maintaining its position as one of the giants of Ugandan football.
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