Five candidates have picked nomination forms to contest in the upcoming presidential elections of Uganda Premier League giants SC Villa.
The club’s Electoral Committee chairperson, Brian Kajubi, confirmed that the five aspirants collected their nomination forms before the Thursday deadline.
They include incumbent president Omar Mandela, former club president Eng Ben Misagga, Farooq Meywa, Dennis Mbidde and Simeon Kawuma Bulezi.
Mandela, who has been in charge of the club since November 2021, had earlier declared his intention to seek another term. His bid is reportedly backed by the club’s trustees and a section of the fans.
During his tenure, the record league champions have regained competitiveness, highlighted by winning the Uganda Premier League title in the 2023/24 season after a long wait.
The club has also experienced improved financial stability and increased organization within its administrative structures.
However, a major hurdle facing the challengers is the non-refundable nomination fee of Shs100 million, which each candidate must deposit upon returning the nomination forms.
The deadline for returning the completed nomination forms is Saturday, March 7.
According to the electoral roadmap, the candidates will be vetted by the club trustees on March 8, before the final list of successful candidates is announced on March 10.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the registration of fans eligible to vote is March 15, 2026, with voting set to be conducted by secret ballot.
SC Villa, a record 17-time champion of the Uganda Premier League, will hold its presidential elections on March 22.