Historical background 

Villa, affectionately known as ‘Jogoo’ – the big cockerels - was founded during the turmoil of the dictatorship of Idi Amin. When the popular Express FC was banned by the dictator, the club elders put their resources into developing their nursery team, known as Nakivubo Boys. By 1979 this former youth side had won promotion to the first division.

The same year Idi Amin was removed from power, Express FC was reformed and there was a debate as to whether the two teams should reunite. However, under the guidance of Chairman Patrick Kawooya the Nakivubo Boys opted to retain their independence. They took the name Villa, recruited a core of senior players and won their first title in 1982 with a legendary team that went undefeated in 18 league games.

1985- 1997

By the second half of the eighties Villa had become the leading club in the county, British coach Geoff Hudson bringing a professional level of organisation to a team which included some of Uganda’s best ever players. Defender Paul Hasule would go on to serve the club for nearly 20 years, first as captain and then as coach, while striker Majid Musisi was another great favourite, the scorer of 138 goals between 1985 and 1992, after which he attempted to build a career in France and Turkey.

In 1991 Villa defeated two of Africa’s top clubs, Egypt’s Al Ahly and Nigeria’s Iwuanyanwu, to reach the final of the African Champions’ Cup but then suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat to Club African in Tunisia. The following year they reached the final of the CAF Cup but lost 0-3 to Shooting Stars in Nigeria after a goalless draw in Kampala.

      At home Express and Simba had declined, leaving Kampala and Villa to dominate Ugandan football. They were able to attract the best players in the country, often persuading internationals to switch between the clubs, with periods of dominance changing accordingly.

After an internal dispute in 1993 several officials and players left Villa to form Villa International which led to a spell of three years without a trophy. 

The split was healed in 1997 and Villa won a league and cup double the following year after which they went on to win 7 consecutive titles. Hasule had returned to coach the side and new stars included Andrew ‘Fimbo’ Mukasa, the leagues top soccer in 1999 and 2000. Hudson also came back to Uganda to have a second spell as coach.

2000-

      The nature of Ugandan soccer has changed in the new millennium with more and more players seeking careers overseas and the current national team is drawn from Ugandans plying their trade in South Africa, east Europe and the smaller African leagues.  Those who have stayed seek security with one of the government teams, allowing Police and Revenue Authority to emerge as the most successful sides. It has been a particularly unsettled spell for Villa, with rumours of player’s wages going unpaid and the club dropping out of African competitions due to the lack of funds. The 2009 cup win was Villa’s first trophy in five years.