His behind-the-scenes maneuvers at the club have raised many eyebrows and though some SC Villa officials and fans appreciate his contribution towards club, others think he uses the club to foster his own agenda. For example, Magogo is reported to have used his influence to recruit the majority of the current Villa squad.
However, whether he is pushing his own agenda or not, history has shown that many of Magogo’s predecessors faced the same situation.
Henry Balamaze Lwanga (1968-1971)
He is credited for the formulation of Fufa and the National Football League (NFL) and headed both bodies in their formative periods. But prior, Balamaze helped to form Coffee FC with late Rogers Mukasa.
However, in spite of his Coffee FC background, I can’t recall any decision he made in Coffee’s favour. He followed the law to the letter. In 1981, he swapped Coffee for SC Villa and served as SC Villa’s vice chairman and later club’s patron. He died on September 1, 2011.
Kezekiah Segwanga Musisi (1971-1975)
Segwanga Musisi was an Express diehard and upon taking the Fufa leadership, he didn’t hide his Express blood. For example, in 1973, Express was in the verge of relegation to the second tier but he used his discretion and the league didn’t end.
Then in 1979, during his time as National Council of Sports chairman, he announced Express FC’s return to the topflight after being banned by Idi Amin’s government. So, Segwanga and Express were inseparable—no wonder he was a member of the club’s board of trustees for decades. He passed away on February 4, 2017.
Christopher Rwanika (1985)
Rwanika was a renowned KCCA supporter having served on the club’s executive committee in different capacities. So, his appointment as Fufa boss in July 1985 by then minister of Youth Culture and Sports, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali – also a renowned KCCA FC faithful, did not surprise many.
During his time in office, Rwanika faced a big challenge or taking decision on KCCA super star Godfrey Kateregga, who had earlier been denied his will to play for SC Villa. However, Rwanika shocked many when he granted Kateregga a Villa license amid protest from KCCA faithful. Rwanika passed on January 3, 2017.
John Baptist Semanobe (1989-1992)
He was a renowned Nsambya FC supporter—having played for the ‘Old Timers’ for over a decade before becoming the club’s tactician. During his time in office as Fufa president, Semanobe didn’t make any decision to favour Nsambya until 1994 when his executive was dissolved.
Denis Obua (1998-2004)
The ex-international got elected Fufa president when he was coach for Police FC. Much as he never openly came out to help his former club, he nonetheless often used his influence to help Police retain its best players during the transfer period.
One time, he refused to clear the transfer of Hassan Mubiru to Villa until when the Jogoos tripled their initial offers. Obua passed on May 4, 2010.
Dr Lawrence Mulindwa (2005-2013)
He was the chairman of Bunamwaya FC when he got the Fufa hot seat and in order to avoid conflict of interest, he stepped aside from his position at the club.
In 2008, he faced a catch-22 situation when he had to take a decision against his club (now Vipers) for fielding suspended player Hakim Senkumba.
Many expected him to use his influence and save his club from losing six points but this never was as Bunamwaya lost the six points and dented their chances of winning the league title.
bzziwa@observer.ug
The author is The Observer operations director
