The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, received Sports Club (SC) Villa supporters, known as Team Bikolwa, at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, on Wednesday.
The fans presented a financial contribution to support the Kingdom’s development programs and expressed their sincere appreciation for his unwavering support of the football club.
Receiving the passionate Villa delegation with delight, the Katikkiro shared a personal reflection on his long-standing loyalty to the club, stating that he began supporting SC Villa in 1982, inspired by his elder brother and devoted Villa fan, Andrew Kaggwa, who kept the club’s flag, jerseys, and memorabilia at home. He noted that Villa’s legacy of excellence and victory has spanned decades.
In his key message to the supporters, Mayiga emphasised the importance of discipline in sports to ensure continued growth and professionalism in Uganda’s sports sector.
“The four fundamental laws of sports are discipline, discipline, discipline — and discipline. Discipline must be upheld by players, supporters, referees, and administrators,” he said.
The Kingdom premier lamented that violent fan behaviour, bottle-throwing, and hostility in stadiums deter genuine supporters and sponsors from attending matches.
He thus called on football fans across the nation to maintain dignity and restore excitement in stadiums by supporting teams peacefully and respectfully.
Mayiga further expressed gratitude to SC Villa Team Bikolwa for supporting Buganda initiatives through financial contribution and by purchasing official Kabaka Birthday Run jerseys.
The group also presented gifts to the Katikkiro, including an SC Villa jersey, a commemorative medal, and handcrafted cultural regalia.
The Minister for Youth, Sports, Talent in Buganda, Robert Serwanga, commended SC Villa’s remarkable journey in Ugandan football history, noting that for nearly 50 years, the fans have demonstrated unmatched unity and loyalty.
He praised Team Bikolwa for becoming the first Uganda Premier League supporters’ group to formally visit the Buganda Palace, setting a patriotic example for other clubs.
Serwanga urged the supporters to continue upholding discipline and working closely with club leadership to secure Villa’s return to elite performance levels, while also appreciating the club’s encouragement of players to participate in traditional Buganda clan football tournaments.
Speaking on behalf of the supporters, Farouq Meywa thanked the Katikkiro for his heartfelt loyalty to SC Villa, stating that his support is reflected not only in his words but also his actions. He pledged continued unity, discipline, and modernisation within the club.
Meywa highlighted the need for stronger leadership to restore Villa to annual championship contention and shared his personal commitment to help modernise club structures, adopting technology and enhancing professional standards across all operations.
Sports Club Villa, popularly known as “Villa Jogoo Ssaalongo”, is one of Uganda’s most decorated football clubs. The club boasts an impressive record that includes 17 Uganda Premier League titles, 9 Uganda Cup trophies, and 3 CECAFA Club Championships.
With such achievements, Villa remains a dominant force in Ugandan football and continues to play a major role in producing top players for the national team.
