SC Villa ended a 20-year national championship drought by securing the 2023/24 Startimes Uganda Premier League title with a 2-0 victory over NEC at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Charles Lwanga and Hakim Kiwanuka eased the pressure, allowing the Jogoos to claim the title with 57 points, finishing just one point ahead of BUL and Vipers SC.
Both BUL and Vipers also won their matches, with BUL defeating Busoga 3-0 in Njeru and Vipers triumphing 4-1 over Mbarara City. However, these results did not affect the title race as SC Villa’s win ensured they lifted the trophy, which was dramatically delivered to Lugogo by helicopter, adorned with blue ribbons.
Kitara, who, along with NEC and Mbarara, had been promoted to the Premier League this season, concluded their campaign on a high by relegating Gaddafi with a 3-0 victory in Masindi.
Villa fans were ecstatic with chants of “Villa Jogoo” at the final whistle, with many rushing onto the pitch to celebrate. The situation was soon brought under control to facilitate the trophy presentation ceremony.
This victory marks Villa’s 17th league title, extending their record, and is their first since the passing of their legendary captain, Paul Hasule, 20 years ago.
The decisive moment for Villa came in the 67th minute when Lwanga headed in a cross from Umar Lutalo. Kiwanuka then secured the victory by scoring the second goal with 15 minutes remaining, after being set up by Patrick Jonah Kakande. Kiwanuka’s composed finish, slotting the ball under NEC goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan, sealed the 2-0 win.
The atmosphere was electric, with a sea of blue flags and joyous celebrations in the Villa VIP section, which included club president Hajj Omar Mandela and Buganda Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga.
At Kitende, Vipers’ captain Milton Karisa scored twice, with Karim Watambala and Abubakar Lawal also netting in their 4-1 win over Mbarara. Seiri Arigumaho scored a consolation goal for the Ankole Lions.
Kitara wrapped up their impressive season with a 3-0 victory over Gaddafi, thanks to a Denis Omedi brace and a goal from Paul Micureezi.
The final day also featured drama at the bottom of the table. UPDF secured a late escape from relegation by defeating Wakiso Giants 1-0, resulting in Gaddafi and Busoga United joining Arua Hill as the three teams relegated from the league.
Final matchday results
NEC 0-2 SC Villa
Maroons 1-1 KCCA
Vipers SC 4-1 Mbarara City
Busoga United 0-3 BUL
Kitara 3-0 Gaddafi
Wakiso Giants 0-1 UPDF
URA 1-1 Soltilo Bright Stars
