On 10th March 2026, our Electoral Committee Chairman, Brian Kajubi, officially declared Hajji Omar Ahmed Hussein—whom we all know as Mandela—as President of Sports Club Villa for the next five years after he emerged unopposed.
For us as SC Villa, this moment is not just about a new mandate. It is about continuity. It is about a relationship that has been built over decades—one that mirrors our own journey as a club.
Mandela’s story with SC Villa is, in many ways, part of our story.
Born in 1960 in Kampala and raised in Kisenyi, Mandela grew up in an environment not far removed from where our roots were first planted. Like many young football fans of his time, his earliest loyalties were elsewhere, but the events of 1977 reshaped the football landscape—and, in time, brought him closer to us.
His connection to SC Villa was never sudden. It grew naturally, influenced by his surroundings and the people closest to him. His father, a humble supporter, played his part in our early days—offering what he could, even purchasing footballs for the Nakivubo Boys when resources were scarce.
Those acts of quiet support would go on to define the spirit Mandela himself carried into our club.
As a young boy, he spent evenings watching our players train at Nakivubo. Even then, he found ways—however small—to contribute, sometimes treating players to tea in Kisenyi. These were simple gestures, but they reflected something deeper: a sense of belonging that would only grow stronger with time.
As we evolved, so did he.
In the early 1980s, Mandela began building his business career, eventually establishing the Mandela Group of Companies. As his capacity grew, so did his ability to support us—not loudly, but consistently. During the 1980s and early 1990s, when we needed stability, he was among those who quietly ensured that we remained strong.
His official leadership journey with us began in 1993, during a time of transition. He stepped in as Treasurer under President Francisco Mugabe, and from that point, his influence became clear.
He helped shape teams that defined our dominance, playing a central role in strengthening our squad and reinforcing our competitiveness. Many of the decisions taken during that period carried us through one of the most successful eras in our history.
By 1998, when he became Vice Chairman – Administration, it was evident to many that he was part of our future leadership. His commitment, discipline, and understanding of the club made him one of the key figures within our structure.
Like any long journey, ours has not been without difficult moments.
In 2004, after a painful incident with sections of our fanbase, Mandela stepped away from official responsibilities. It was a moment that affected him deeply—and, in many ways, it was also a moment of reflection for us as a club.
But even in his absence, the connection never truly broke.
He remained close to us, offering support when needed and standing by the club during uncertain times, even if from a distance. That bond—formed over years—endured.
In 2021, when we found ourselves at another critical point, Mandela returned. Once again, he stepped forward—not for recognition, but because the club needed stability. His unopposed election as President reflected a shared belief: that he understood what SC Villa needed.
Since then, together, we have rebuilt.
We have restored structure, discipline, and belief. And in the 2023/2024 season, we celebrated a moment that meant so much to all of us—winning our first league title in 20 years. It was not just a victory on the pitch, but a reflection of the work that had gone into bringing us back to where we belong. Earlier this Season 2025/26 , the Jogoos also clinched their first Super 8 silver ware.
Now, as he begins another five-year term as our President, and continues to serve on our Board of Trustees, we do so with a shared understanding: this is not a new chapter—it is a continuation of a long journey.
From the early days at Nakivubo to where we stand today, Mandela has grown with SC Villa, just as SC Villa has grown with him.
His story is not separate from ours. It is part of who we are.
And as we look ahead, we do so together.
