SC Villa, Uganda’s most decorated football club with a record 17 Premier League titles, has provided clarity on the status of compensation received from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and outlined the roadmap for its executive leadership following the expiry of the current term.

During a press briefing held at City Oil in Kamwokya, SC Villa Board of Trustees chairman Gerald Ssendaula confirmed that the club received Shs3.02 billion from UNRA as compensation for the government’s acquisition of Villa Park in Nsambya. Ssendaula emphasized that the trustees made a deliberate decision not to use these funds for the day-to-day running of the club. Instead, the money will be strategically invested in acquiring land to construct a permanent home stadium for the club, signaling a long-term vision for the 17-time league champions.

“We received Shs3bn and 20m as compensation fees from UNRA for SC Villa Park, “We saw this as a unique opportunity to invest in the club’s future by building our own stadium – a permanent home that will belong to SC Villa and its supporters.” Ssendaula stated.

The chairman further explained that while Villa Park has historically been the club’s home ground, it could not be transformed into a long-term asset of substantial value. The intervention by UNRA, therefore, came as a timely relief, enabling the club to explore opportunities that will secure its legacy. Ssendaula noted that the trustees have started scouting for land, ideally around 21 acres, with a focus on areas within or near Kampala. Although SC Villa originated from Masaka, the large fan base in Kampala influenced the decision to seek land closer to the capital.

Speaking alongside fellow trustees Franco Mugabe, Moses Matovu, and Ivan Kawuma, Ssendaula disclosed that the compensation money was deposited in a fixed deposit account, accruing Shs34 million in monthly interest. As a result, the funds have grown to Shs4.5 billion, ensuring that the money is preserved and continues to generate returns.

“We intentionally avoided using these funds for the team’s operational expenses. This money represents compensation for a fixed asset and should be used to create a long-term asset that benefits the club and its supporters, The trustees have also expressed interest in acquiring government-procured land within the Kampala metropolitan area, with further clarity on the potential acquisition expected by the end of March 2026. By the end of March, we will have more information on whether government plans to make this land available for investment close to the city,” Ssendaula explained.

In addition to clarifying financial matters, the trustees addressed questions surrounding the legality of the current executive. Former club president Ben Misagga had claimed that club president Hajji Omar Mandela’s term expired on November 13, 2025, four years after assuming office, without any official extension being issued.

Ssendaula acknowledged that the executive’s term officially expired in November but confirmed that it was extended until the end of March 2026. “We realized this midway through the year and agreed to extend the arrangement to the end of March to ensure continuity, particularly given that the league had just started and the country was preparing for national elections,” he said. He added that the trustees will organize the necessary meetings before the end of March to ensure a smooth transition, determining who will assume responsibility for the club’s day-to-day operations.

With these measures, SC Villa’s trustees have demonstrated a commitment to long-term planning and financial prudence. By safeguarding the compensation funds and carefully managing leadership transitions, the club is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future, while remaining faithful to its historic legacy and loyal supporters.

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