SC Villa: Uganda's most successful club marks 40 years

By Hussein Bukenya

KAMPALA - The most successful club in Ugandan football Sports Club (SC) Villa has celebrated 40 years of existence after separating from Express FC.

Many individuals on Friday walked away with awards including Paul Mutakabala and Sula Kato.

Mutakabala, a former club midfielder, told New Vision after the awards of his delight at being honoured by the club he once played for.

“I am happy to have been honored by SC Villa, a club I served for over 10 years, winning with them many trophies,” he said.

“I am proud to have been selected among the many legends that served this club since it started in 1975 because many of them are already dead, but am happy that I have witnessed this day when am still alive.”

Kato, another Villa legend who was also honored, said there are many clubs in Uganda and in Africa at large but only a few recognise their players in such a way.

“It is the first time in my footballing life to see a club do this to its former players and administrators. I am very proud with SC Villa for recognising my services at the club and choose to give me this award, said the elated Kato.

President Museveni attended the event as chief guest. He was also announced as chief fan and given a club jersey on which he signed (pictured below).
 

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Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president Eng. Moses Magogo also attended the function.

Over 50 individuals were awarded for the different roles they played at the club in the last forty years.

Among those awarded were; Eriab Kamya, Franco Mugabe, Omar Mandela, Edgar Watson, Robert Mukiibi and the late Majid Musisi. Others were, Paul Hasule, Fred Muwema Gily Kawuma, Denis Mbidde, Kevin Aliro, Micho Sredojevic, Andrew Mukasa, Patrick Kawooya, Moses Matovu, Tamale Kapeera, Topher Musoke, Sirajje Mbugga, Yoweri Museveni, Paul Kagame, Henry Ssekabembe, Thadius Kitandwe, Francis Ntalazi, and others.

Villa, who have 16 league championships in their cabinet, are the current holders of the Uganda Cup. They overcame city rivals KCCA FC in a controversial final that was replayed at Mandela national stadium, Namboole after the earlier one was abandoned at Kyamate ground in Ntungamo district.

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Among those who welcomed President Yoweri Museveni were club president Eng. Ben Misagga (far left) and Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba (2nd-right)

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Current SC Villa players showed up looking sharp in suits for the grand occassion

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Veterans of the club attended the event. FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo (in light-blue neck tie) did not miss out too

The club's current technical team keenly listened to the speeches