By Frank Kamuntu
Former SC Villa leader Immanuel Ben Misagga has recounted how a desperate financial situation nearly prevented the club from competing in the 2004 CECAFA Club Championship.
In a newly released account of his tenure at the club, Misagga says SC Villa lacked the resources to travel to Mwanza, Tanzania, for the regional tournament.
Faced with the possibility of withdrawing, Misagga says he mobilised financial support from well-wishers, including senior figures in government and the military, allowing the team to make the trip.
The tournament would later become a historic moment for the club.
According to Misagga, the team which included a relatively unknown young goalkeeper, Denis Onyango — went on a remarkable run, eventually winning the competition.
Kenyan striker Bernard Mwalala, whom Misagga says he personally helped sign for the team before the tournament, emerged as the top scorer.
The victory reportedly attracted regional attention, with Paul Kagame awarding the team prize money, while Yoweri Kaguta Museveni later hosted the players at a state dinner and facilitated their return home.
Misagga describes the triumph as a turning point that helped restore public confidence in Ugandan football following earlier controversies that had dented the sport’s reputation.
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