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SC VILLA EDGES UPDF FC TO ASCEND TO LEAGUE SUMMIT

The Jogoos maintained their stellar run of form, securing a narrow but vital 1-0 victory against UPDF FC at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on Tuesday. The hard-fought win marked Villa’s fifth consecutive triumph and propelled them to the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table for the first time this season.

Team Talk in Bombo

First Half Action

The match began with both teams keen to establish dominance. In the 8th minute, an early opportunity arose for Villa when Diego Semugera was just a moment too late to connect with a free-kick delivered by Hassan Mubiru. Two minutes later, Reagan Mpande briefly had the ball in the net, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

Diego Semugera in Action at Bombo

​Possession remained evenly balanced through the mid-half, with both sides cautious in their approach. Simon Semayange produced Villa’s first notable shot on target in the 22nd minute, but UPDF goalkeeper Kimera was alert and punched it away. Despite four minutes of added time, the first half ended goalless, reflecting the lack of clear-cut chances from either side.

Second Half and Decisive Goal

The start of the second half saw a continuation of the tense, tight contest. The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute by Ibrahim Kasinde. The winger,  found the back of the net with a calm, well-placed shot to register the only goal of the game and give the Jogoos the crucial lead.

Kasinde celebrating his goal.

​Before the goal, Villa had made strategic substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ali Bayo for Hassan Mubiru and Najib Yiga, respectively, to inject fresh energy into the attack.

​Following the goal, Reagan Mpande tested Kimera again in the 67th minute, but the keeper saved the shot. Mpande was later replaced by Frank Sebuufu in the 69th minute. Villa was forced to make another change in the 75th minute when Elvis Ngonde came on for the injured Simon Semayange.

The Jogoos successfully navigated the final minutes, holding on to their lead to take all three points at the final whistle. The win took the Jogoos top of the table with Fifteen points.

Kasinde was the star of the Day

Star of the Match Reaction

​Winger Ibrahim Kasinde, whose solitary goal proved to be the match-winner, was named the Star of the Match.

​”I am glad to have opened my account in the Uganda Premier League as a Jogoo. This is one of the many to come, I believe. I thank the team for working as one to pick the points on the road and maintain our run intact. We head home and focus shifts to the next game.”

Upcoming Fixture

​SC Villa faces a stern test in their next outing as they make a short trip to St. Mary’s Kitende to face rivals Vipers SC this Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

MATCH PREVIEW: JOGOOS ON A SHORT TRIP TO BOMBO.

Jogoos starting Xi for the previous game

Zeljko Kovacevic’s SC Villa side travels to face UPDF FC as the Jogoos look to extend their remarkable unbeaten run, which has stood firm since their opening-day defeat to KCCA FC. A victory in Bombo would propel Villa above both Police and KCCA, sending them to the top of the league table—a testament to the high stakes attached to this fixture.


The attacking unit, revitalized under Kovacevic, has been instrumental in Villa’s resurgence. The quartet of Hassan Mubiru, Najib Yiga, Aslam Semakula, and Frank Sebuufu has consistently delivered goals, creativity, and attacking flair.

HeadCoach -Zeljko Kovacevic



Team News


The Jogoos welcome back midfielder Reagan Mpande, who returns to the squad after national team duty in the previous fixture. Charles Lwanga remains a doubt as he awaits a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Teenage defender Barasa Mangoli misses out due to academic commitments, while left-back Mangeni Marrickzedch and defender Odong Arnold continue their rehabilitation as they recover from respective injuries.

Defender Barasa Raymon



A LOOK AT THE OPPONENT


UPDF FC has endured a challenging start to the campaign, hovering just a point above the relegation zone. However, their confidence received a timely boost after a crucial away win against Calvary, ending their run of defeats. With experienced figures such as former SC Villa captain Bernard Muwanga marshalling the defense, the Army side will hope to use their physicality and discipline to contain the high-flying visitors.

Head-to-Head


Overall, the historical record tilts in favor of SC Villa, who have claimed 8 wins compared to UPDF’s 5 in their last 16 league encounters, with 3 ending in stalemates.
But the Bombo Military Barracks is a unique challenge. In eight league meetings at this venue, both teams have secured three wins each, with the ground proving to be a true equalizer. Villa will also be mindful of last season’s defeat here—a result they are eager to avenge.

Match Verdict


SC Villa enters the contest as the clear favorite, buoyed by excellent form and the incentive of potentially going top of the table. Yet Bombo has never been an easy hunting ground, and UPDF—fighting to escape the lower reaches of the standings—will be highly motivated. A competitive encounter is expected, but the Jogoos’ current attacking momentum gives them a strong edge heading into this matchup.

FAREWELL ISMAEL KIGOZI – A JOGOO HAS FALLEN

Kigozi being introduced on one of the matchday by Captain then , Snr. Edgar Watson

The SC Villa family mourns the passing of Ismael Kigozi, one of the most naturally gifted and fluid forwards to grace Villa Park in the early 2000s. A player blessed with rare pace, effortless balance, fearless improvisation, and the versatility to shine both wide and centrally, Kigozi embodied everything the Jogoos stood for during one of the club’s golden eras.

Second from the left, Kigozi (who later joined URA FC on one of the match Days.


Before joining the most decorated club in the land, Kigozi had already demonstrated flashes of brilliance at Masaka LC, where his sharpness and bold attacking style inspired their memorable promotion push in 2000. By the end of the 2001 season, his talent had ripened—and it was only fitting that SC Villa, the home of excellence, came knocking.
When Kigozi arrived at Villa Park in 2002, he stepped into a star-studded dressing room. Yet from day one, he looked every bit a Jogoo. He fit seamlessly into the rhythm, becoming an immediate influence and a source of attacking aggression that matched the club’s ambitions.


That year, SC Villa delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in Ugandan football history—clinching the 2002 domestic double (Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup). And Kigozi was not just part of the squad; he was part of the formula. His goals, width, trickery, and destabilizing movement were crucial threads woven into the success of that iconic season.

Kigozi on his Sick Bed.


His name also lives in Jogoo folklore thanks to the April 6, 2002 incident—his controversial strike against Kasese Town Council. While the opposition insisted it had gone in through the side netting, the referee stood firm. The goal stood. The Jogoos marched on. And Kigozi’s fearless play earned him another unforgettable page in the club’s story.
In 2003, he remained a vital cog in SC Villa’s attacking machine, helping defend the league title and playing his part in the club’s triumphant 2003 CECAFA Club Championship, a moment that cemented Villa’s regional supremacy.


Midway through the 2004 season, his journey at Villa Park took an abrupt turn when he disappeared from the squad and later resurfaced in Rwanda. The club disciplined him for going AWOL, and shortly after, he formally joined Atraco FC—bringing his Jogoo chapter to a close.


Kigozi later returned to Uganda in 2007 to feature for URA FC, carrying with him the experience and polish shaped during his time under the bright lights of Villa Park.


Today, 17 November 2025, we say goodbye to a player who gave the Jogoos unforgettable moments, raw excitement, and contributions that helped define an era.

Burial program of Ismael Kigozi
Senior will be laid is tomorrow at his ancestral home in Ddeggeya off Bombo Rd (Luwero District)at 4PM


From Villa Park to eternity—
Once a Jogoo, forever a Jogoo.


REST IN PEACE ISMAEL KIGOZI

Ssebuufu Header Seals Victory as Jogoos Edge Kitara FC

The Jogoos extended their unbeaten run to three matches with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kitara FC in an entertaining encounter at home.

The team Line up on the day


From the onset, the hosts showed intent and dominance. In the 8th minute, they launched a series of early attacks, pressing Kitara deep into their own half. Three minutes later, Najib Yiga forced goalkeeper Kibirige Meddie into a fine save, punching the ball away for a corner.


By the 16th minute, the Jogoos continued to threaten, with Reagan Mpande firing just inches wide of the left post. Despite their attacking momentum, the first half ended goalless, with both sides unable to find the breakthrough.

Aslam Semakula in Action


After the restart, David Owori went close in the 52nd minute, but his shot flew wide. Six minutes later, head coach made an early change as Frank Ssebuufu replaced Ibrahim Kasinde to add fresh energy to the attack.


In the 62nd minute, Aslam Semakula was fouled at the edge of the box, earning the Jogoos a promising free kick, but the effort was blocked by Kitara’s defence.

Celebration for Sebuufu’s header


The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when substitute Frank Ssebuufu rose highest to head home a fine cross from Najib Yiga, giving the Jogoos a deserved lead.


As the match wore on, Patrick Jonah Kakande and Elvis Ngonde came on for Reagan Mpande and Najib Yiga, while late substitutions saw Aslam Semakula and Mubiru Hassan make way for Gaganga Geoffrey and Otim Jerome in the 83rd minute.


The Jogoos held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points, with Ssebuufu’s goal proving to be the difference.

Frank Ssebuufu was the day’s man of the match


Speaking after the game, the match-winner expressed his delight:

“I was happy to score my first league goal for the Jogoos. This motivates me to work even harder and keep contributing to the team. We worked as a unit to get this win, and now our focus shifts to the next game.”



The result lifted the Jogoos’ to the third place on the log and they preparedness to host NEC FC on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The Jogoos Shine in Hoima with a Dominant Away Victory

The Jogoos delivered an exciting and dominant performance in their second away game of the season in Hoima on Friday evening, scoring three goals and taking all three points on the road.

The day’s starting Line Up.


Match Summary


Just two minutes into the game, Reagan Mpande—the “mixologist”—opened the scoring with a delightful chip, marking his first goal of the season.

Kasinde, Mpande & Semugera celebrate first goal.

The Jogoos showed clear attacking intent from the start, pressing high and creating early chances.In the 10th minute, Diego Semugera came close to doubling the lead, but his effort sailed inches over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Aslam Ssemakula struck from long range following a corner, extending the Jogoos’ lead.

Aslam Semakula was also on the scoresheet


The visitors continued to pile on the pressure and looked more dangerous with every attack. In the 38th minute, Mpande nearly added another, heading just wide after a tapout by Buhimba’s goalkeeper. The Jogoos went into the break with a comfortable lead.


Second Half:


At the restart, Bayo Ali replaced Najib Yiga to add fresh energy to the attack. Ibrahim Kasinde worked tirelessly down the left flank, creating constant problems for the hosts.

Kasinde in Action


In the 62nd minute, Mubiru Hassan went close, his shot narrowly missing the target. Just three minutes later, Reagan Mpande struck again—his second goal of the match—after a brilliant assist from Kasinde, sealing his brace.


Substitutions followed as Andrew Otim and Gagganga Geoffrey came on for Mpande and Aslam Ssemakula respectively in the 68th minute. Later, in the 80th minute, Otim Jerome made his debut, replacing Kasinde, while defender Kibande Cyrus came on for Mubiru Hassan.


Goalkeeper Lukwago David was booked late on for time wasting, and three minutes were added at the end of regulation time.

Reagan Mpande



Man of the Match – Reagan Mpande:


I’m happy to have scored a brace today and opened my league account this season. This performance motivates me to keep pushing forward. It was a great fight by the team to secure a win on the road.


The Jogoos will next host Kitara FC on Friday , 7th November, at FUFA Stadium – Kadiba, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM.

MATCH REPORT: Jogoos Battle to a Hard-Fought 1–1 Draw at Kadiba

The day’s Starting Line Up vs Entebbe UPPC FC

The Jogoos put up a determined performance at Kadiba, coming from behind to earn a deserved 1–1 draw in an entertaining encounter.

The match kicked off at a lively tempo, with both sides fighting to control possession in the opening minutes. The Jogoos looked sharp in attack, keeping the visitors under constant pressure and showing great composure on the ball.

Hassan Mubiru takes on UPPC FC player.



In the 8th minute, Hassan Mubiru was brought down right at the edge of the penalty area, winning a promising free kick. David Owori stepped up to take it, but his effort was deflected out for a corner. From the ensuing set piece, Frank Sebuufu’s header flew just wide of the upright.

The hosts kept pushing forward, and in the 25th minute, Owori once again delivered a teasing cross that found Mubiru, whose header missed the target by inches. Despite their dominance, the Jogoos found themselves trailing in the 28th minute when the visitors broke the deadlock with a swift counterattack to make it 1–0. (Scored by Fazil Tumwine for UPPC FC)

The Left back Simon Semayange on Duty

Simon Semayange was booked in the 38th minute for a tough tackle as the Jogoos fought to regain control. The half ended with the hosts trailing by a goal despite creating the better chances.

After the break, the Jogoos made several substitutions to add fresh energy to the attack. In the 58th minute, debutant Geoffrey Gagganga replaced Aslam Semakula, while Charles Lwanga came on for Ibrahim Kasinde. Elvis Ngonde and Andrew Otim were also introduced later in the half to bolster the team’s attacking options.

Geoffrey Gagganga made his Uganda Premier League debut for the Jogoos on the Day.


The changes immediately lifted the tempo, with the Jogoos pinning their opponents back. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Andrew Otim met Najib Yiga’s perfectly weighted free kick with a powerful header to level the score at 1–1, sending the home supporters into celebration.

The Jogoos nearly stole all three points in stoppage time. In the 90+1 minute, Yiga found himself through on goal after a clever cutback from Lwanga, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by goalkeeper Omedwa.

Andrew Otim scored the leveller for the Jogoos.



After the final whistle, forward Andrew Otim shared his thoughts on the result, saying:



“We played to our best but luck wasn’t on our side. We took the ball to them; however, we couldn’t capitalise on the chances that we created. We head back home to work on the errors and prepare for the best in our next fixture.”
It was a hard-fought draw for the Jogoos, who showed resilience and attacking flair throughout the match. With such commitment and teamwork, they will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.

The Jogoos will host Police FC at FUFA STADIUM Kadiba on Friday 24th October 2025

MATCH PREVIEW | SC VILLA HOST ENTEBBE UPPC FC

StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Fixture: SC Villa vs Entebbe UPPC FC
Venue: FUFA Stadium, Kadiba
Date: Wednesday, 15th October 2025
Kick-off: 8:00 PM

The Jogoos will host league newcomers Entebbe UPPC FC on Matchday 3 of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League — their second fixture of the 2025/26 campaign.
SC Villa will be eager to bounce back after a narrow 2-1 defeat to KCCA FC in the Kampala Derby on opening day. With their first home game of the season, the Jogoos aim to capitalize on familiar territory and return to winning ways at Kadiba — a ground that recently witnessed them lift their first-ever FUFA Super 8 trophy.

Currently, SC Villa sits 14th on the league table with one game played, while Entebbe UPPC FC stands 5th after two matches.

Head-to-Head
In the last five meetings between the sides (with UPPC FC formerly known as Gaddafi FC):
SC Villa has won 3 times
UPPC FC has won once
1 match ended in a draw
Team News – #SCVUPPC

Reagan Mpande remains unavailable as he is away on national duty with the Uganda Cranes, who face Algeria on Tuesday, 14th October.

Patrick Jonah Kakande and Sula Matovu (Malouda) are sidelined due to injury

Center-back Arnold Odong is also unavailable for selection due to injury

Available Squad

Goalkeepers: Angufindri, Wokorach, Lukwago
Defenders: Barasa, Lubangkene, Owori, Semayange, Mangeni, Mulimi

Midfielders: Semugera, Semakula, Kasinde, Mubiru, Yiga, Gaganga, Atukunda, Bayo, Otim, Ngonde
Forwards: Sebuufu, Lwanga, Otim, Nsubuga

Player’s Comments
Goalkeeper David Lukwago, shared his thoughts ahead of the fixture:

“It’s our first home game , and we have to show up coming from a loss against KCCA FC in our first fixture. I believe the coaches have given us what we all need to come stronger in tomorrow’s fixture, it’s all points that we need.”

The “Mixologist” Named in Uganda Cranes Squad for FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

SC Villa is proud to announce that our midfielder come forward Reagan Mpande (Shirt No. 5) has once again earned a call-up to the Uganda Cranes ahead of their decisive FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for October.

The Cranes will play two crucial fixtures away from home, facing Botswana on 9th October 2025 in Francistown before taking on Algeria on 14th October at the Hocine Aït Ahmeh Stadium. Uganda currently sits second in Group G with 15 points, just four behind leaders Algeria, and remains firmly in the race for a historic World Cup berth.

Mpande’s inclusion in the squad comes as no surprise to the Villa faithful. Since making his first senior national team appearance at the 2024 CHAN tournament, where he found the net against Guinea, the 25-year-old has continued to impress with consistent performances. Though yet to make his debut in the World Cup qualifiers, his steady progress has made him a trusted name on the national team sheet.

Speaking about the call-up, Mpande said:
“Every time I am summoned, it motivates me to work even harder. With the experience around the national team, there is no room for mistakes—whether in training or during matches. I am ready for the challenge, and only time will tell if I get the opportunity to prove myself under the coach.”

Mpande was also instrumental for SC Villa in the recently concluded FUFA Super 8 tournament, scoring the decisive winner in the final against NEC FC to secure the trophy for the Jogoos. His continued growth and determination make him not only a key asset for the national team but also a source of immense pride for the entire Villa family.

As he joins the Cranes camp for this crucial international assignment, SC Villa extends its best wishes to Reagan Mpande. The club, his teammates, and supporters stand firmly behind him as he carries the Jogoo spirit onto the continental stage.

SC Villa Secure Young Talent Otim Jerome

SC Villa is delighted to announce the signing of 20-year-old winger Otim Jerome from Proline FC on a three-year contract, keeping him with the Jogoos until 2029.

Jerome’s football journey began at Lira Sports Academy before joining the KCCA FC Junior Team, where he impressed as a consistent goal scorer from the right flank. Most recently, he featured for Proline FC at the regional level.
Speaking on his move, Jerome expressed his excitement: “This is one of the biggest clubs in Uganda and Africa. It’s a privilege for me to join the Jogoos. All I want is to win trophies and be part of the history of this great club.”

On his motivation, he added: “I am here to work hard and make the Jogoos faithful love the club even more.”
Everyone at SC Villa warmly welcomes Otim Jerome (OJ) to the #LinglongBoys family.

Fixture Update: Dates for our Startimes Uganda Premier League Round 1 opener against SC Vipers (Away) will be confirmed soon. Stay tuned and keep notifications on!

Linglong unveiled as SC Villa sponsors

Uganda Premier League record holders SC Villa have secured a lucrative sponsorship with a Chinese Tyre manufacturing company, Linglong Tyre.

Part of the money will be directed towards running team business especially staff salaries, another chunk will go towards construction of a sports complex (stadium).
Linglong Tyre has thus become the main sponsors for the club, in a partnership that will run for the next five years.

The deal is worth $750,000 (about Shs 2.7b), which will amount to $150,000 (about Shs 543 million) per year, was made official on Thursday at the City Oil Kamwokya Gardens.

“It’s my honour to stand here and have this chance for this event,” started Cathy Kao, head of International Business Linglong Tire, representing President Wang Feng.

“Linglong has had a corporate friendship with Villa for more than 15 years. The two are not joined for business relations only, we are more than friends, we are family.”

“Wang and Omar have a good relationship. In the future, we want to work hand in hand, coporate with each other and bring good luck for the two parties. Our President Wang also loves Sports very much,” she revealed.

“We also know SC Villa has a big potential and hope two parties can bring good luck to each other. Both will work together and achieve better success in the future.”

The sponsorship is worth $750,000.
While part of the money will be directed towards running team business especially staff salaries, another chunk will go towards construction of a sports complex (stadium).

The sums directed towards the construction of the stadium will be in addition to the Shs. 3B the club received from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) as compensation for the encroaching on the Villa Park facility in Nsambya.

“I stand here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation, we gathered here not only to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship but also to acknowledge the support and encouragement we have received from our esteemed sponsors Linglong,” said Villa Members’ Trust Chairman Gerald Ssendaula said.

“On behalf of entire Villa fraternity, I extend our sincerest thanks to Linglong for their commitment to our club that we will play a vital role in our success and growth for the coming years.

About Linglong Tire

Linglong Tire, full name Shandong Linglong Company Limited is a Chinese tire manufacturing enterprise which has been among the top 20 global tire producers for the past 20 years.

The company was founded in 1975 as Zhaoyuan Tire Manufacturing and Repairing Plant, and it’s under the leadership of Chinese native, Wang Xicheng.

It has had sponsorship partnerships with Wolfsburg, Italy’s Juventus and is currently the main sponsor for the Serbian SuperLiga, which is the country’s topflight league.

Thank you Bbaale Charles: One of our own bids farewell

SC Villa striker Charles Bbaale has completed a move to Rwanda Premier league side Rayon Sport.

Bbaale joins Rayon Sport as a free following expiration of his employment contract at SC Villa.

He has put pen to paper on a two year deal with the Rwanda outfit.

Bbaale was in fine form last season as Villa narrow missed out on the Uganda Premier league title. He scored 12 league goals for SC Villa.

He joined Villa from Mbarara based Terrazzo and Tiles FC whom he had helped the side gain promotion to the FUFA Big during the 2019/20 season.

He also featured in the prestigious Masaza Cup competition and won the 2020 edition with Gomba.

Bbaale was also the 2020 Masaza Cup top scorer with eight goals for the Gomba Lions including one against Buddu in the final played at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

Rayon Sports FC will represent Rwanda at next season’s CAF Confederation Cup after their triumph at peace Cup were they beat APR 1-0 in the final.

In the league, Rayon Sports FC finished 3rd place on the Rwanda Premier league table with 61 points just two points behind the champions APR last season.

Rayon Sports FC is also the home of Joachim Ojera, forward Musa Esenu and former Maroons FC goalkeeper Simon Tamale.

Gift Fred Bids Farewell to SC Villa: A Grateful Salute to the Departing Football Maestro

“Thank you for everything ;Gift Fred, you will be missed,” the club said on Twitter.
Gift captained Villa to a third-place finish in last season’s Uganda Premier League where they nearly won the title only to lose the decisive match of the campaign 1-0 to URA on the final day at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku. The result saw Vipers leapfrog them to win the title.

He leaves as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at the end of last month.

There were attempts from Villa to convince him to renew his contract but he received weightier offers to end the tree year relationship.

Dennis Namanya, the director of Prosper Sports Agency where Gift is contracted, confirmed to New Vision Sport that the defender signed a three-year deal with Tanzanian champions Young Africans last week.

Gift also penned an emotional farewell to his teammates and the club where he described Villa as a lovely family and thanked them for the good working relationship they enjoyed.

“A lovely family you have been, the fun, competition, comebacks, cooperation and many other good things, I am surely grateful,” he said.

He was Villa’s rock at the back, scoring decisive goals in the title run and being named to the Uganda Premier League team of the 2022/2023 season.

He was also nominated for the best defender of the season in the SUPL awards only to lose to Vipers’ Hillary Mukundane.

He came through the ranks at Kabalega SS in Masindi, from which he joined Booma FC in the Kitara region where he was spotted by Bugema University coach Medhi Nyanzi.

He impressed for Bugema as they settled for a third-place finish in the University Football League in 2019 and from here, Villa signed him on a three-year contract.