SC Villa boss Mandela unveils sh4.7b land plan in re-election bid

Omar Mandela has appealed to fans of SC Villa to entrust him with another five-year term as club president, promising long-term stability and sustainable development if re-elected.

Speaking during the club’s Annual General Assembly held at East High School, Kulambiro, on Sunday, March 01, 2026, Mandela outlined what he described as a clear vision for the future of the country’s most decorated football club.

He emphasized that his leadership philosophy is centered on building for generations rather than seeking short-term personal benefit.

“I am a worker, not a talker. Give me ten more years and I will deliver. I do not want a Villa for ten years, but a Villa for the next 100 years. I already have a plan; return me to office and I will put it into action,” Omar Mandela told the gathering.

A key pillar of his proposed next term is infrastructure development, with a particular focus on securing a permanent home for the club.

Mandela revealed that SC Villa has so far accumulated Sh4.7 billion; funds he said are earmarked for the purchase of approximately 100 acres of land to establish a long-term base for the club.

“This club must stop depending on borrowed facilities. Villa deserves its own home, and that is what we are working towards,” he noted.

Mandela also criticized what he termed as a culture of individuals seeking to benefit financially from the club instead of contributing to its growth. He insisted that leadership at Villa should be driven by investment and service, not personal gain.

“At my level, I am not looking at Villa as a source of income. It would be wrong for anyone to come here with the aim of taking rather than investing. I had no intention of running again, but a section of stakeholders reached out and convinced me to stand once more,” he explained.

During his current five-year tenure, Mandela pointed to tangible success, most notably guiding the club to its 17th Uganda Premier League title in the 2023/2024 season, restoring Villa to domestic dominance after years of struggle.

Looking ahead, Mandela said his strategy for sustained success lies in youth development rather than expensive player recruitment. He stressed the importance of nurturing talent from within, particularly through the club’s academy structures.

“I do not intend to spend huge sums buying already established players. We shall build the players we have. Our U-17 players are very promising, and when their time comes, we shall have a strong and competitive team. Those who buy ready-made players are short-sighted; they think about today and forget tomorrow,” he said.

SC Villa’s presidential elections are scheduled for March 22, 2026, also at East High School, Kulambiro. Mandela, first elected in 2021, is seeking a second term that he believes will allow him to complete the foundation of a long-term project aimed at restoring Villa’s glory both on and off the pitch.