After 20 years, SC Villa claimed the Uganda Premier League title of the 2023/24 campaign at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo after winning 2-0 against NEC.
If SC Villa had failed to secure a victory against NEC, it would have been a replay of last season's final match day when Vipers SC took the league title. But goals from Charles Lwanga and Hakim Kiwanuka enabled SC Villa to claim the title on 57 points, one ahead of Vipers SC and BUL.
The other two contenders for the title also recorded victories in their final matches, BUL defeated Busoga United 3-0 and Vipers SC defeated Mbabara City 4-1.
Kitara also ended their season with a win, relegating Gaddafi 3-0 in Masindi.
SC Villa fans could not contain their joy at the end of the match with some of the fans running onto the pitch at full time. However, the situation was later controlled to allow the trophy handover ceremony to take place.
This is SC Villa's 17th league title and their first since the death of their greatest captain ever Paul Hasule 20 years ago.
NEC contained SC Villa till the the 67th minute when Charles Lwanga headed in a cross from Umar Lutalo. And the game was finalised when Patrick Jonah Kakande passed the ball to Hakim Kiwanuka who sealed the win for SC Villa with a cleverly placed shot under the NEC goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan for 2-0 victory.
Later on, hugs of joy and relief started taking rounds in the Villa VIP section where club president Hajj Omar Mandela and Buganda Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga were seated.
Lawrence Tezikya, Jerome Kirya and Richard Okello scored for BUL in their 3-0 win over Busoga United.
Goals from Milton Marisa, Karim Watambala and Abubakar Lawal secured a 4-1 victory for Vipers SC against Mbarara City. Seiri Arigumaho scored the consolation goal for the Ankole lions.
Two goals from Denis Omedi and one from Paul Micureezi ended Kitara's season with a 3-0 victory over Gaddafi.
UPDF survived relegation after they secured a 1-0 win against Wakiso Giants to see Gaddafi and Busoga United relegated along with Arua Hill.
Final Match day 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
