Empty Stands, Late Drama: Villa Held by Entebbe UPPC Amid Fan Boycott
By: Haba Plan
Sports Club Villa’s search for their first win of the season continued on Wednesday night as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Entebbe UPPC at am empty Kadiba Stadium a match overshadowed by the ongoing fan protest against the new league format.
Despite the floodlights setting the perfect stage for a lively home fixture, the usually vibrant Joggos faithful were conspicuously absent. Many Villa supporters chose to stay away, expressing discontent with the newly introduced league system, which they claim “undermines traditional club football heritage.”
Their silence was felt both in the stands and on the pitch.
Entebbe UPPC struck first in the 28th minute through Fazil Tumwine, who took advantage of a defensive mix-up between Villa’s Barasa and the goalkeeper to slot home calmly. The early goal stunned the hosts, who struggled to find rhythm in a first half marked by wasted chances and subdued energy.
After the break, Villa showed more intent. They pushed forward relentlessly and were finally rewarded in the 83rd minute when Andrew Atim bundled home from close range to level the game.
The late stages saw Villa dominate possession, spurred on by a small section of die-hard fans who had defied the boycott. In added time, Charles Lwanga came agonizingly close to sealing all three points but his last effort was brilliantly saved by the Entebbe goalkeeper, drawing gasps from the sparse crowd.
Under normal circumstances, a night game at Kadiba would have echoed with chants of Joggo, Joggo! Instead, the muted atmosphere reflected growing discontent among supporters protesting the new format.
“We love Villa, but we won’t return until FUFA listens,” said David Mutumba, a long-time fan seen outside the gates. “This new format doesn’t respect the spirit of competition.”
The club management acknowledged the absence of fans but urged unity moving forward, promising continued dialogue with league organizers.
The draw gave Villa their first point of the campaign after losing 2–1 to KCCA in their opener a small step forward, though frustration remains over missed opportunities.
For Entebbe UPPC, the result means four points from their first three games, following an earlier win over Lugazi. Their defensive discipline and composure under pressure continue to earn them respect in the topflight.
Final Score:
SC Villa 1–1 Entebbe UPPC
(Fazil Tumwine 28’ – Entebbe UPPC; Andrew Atim 83’ – Villa)