Uganda is mourning the death of national team defender and SC Villa captain David Owori, who was reportedly beaten to death by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala.
According to police, the 27-year-old footballer was fatally assaulted after resisting an attempt by attackers to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings.
Witnesses said Owori was attacked on Tuesday night by a group of assailants who allegedly struck him with paving stones before making away with his belongings, leaving him unconscious.
SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said the player was ambushed just outside his residence in the Makindye area of Kampala.
“The player was attacked by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to a medical facility,” Kasingye said.
Owori was initially taken to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a private hospital in Kampala, where he died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Uganda Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives had launched an investigation and were pursuing leads to identify those responsible for the attack.
“The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved,” she said.
Owori’s death has sparked widespread grief across Uganda, with tributes pouring in from the football community, supporters, teammates and government officials.
In a statement, SC Villa described the late defender as “more than a player,” saying the club had lost “a leader, brother and friend.”
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) also paid tribute, describing Owori as “a true leader on and off the pitch.”
“David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation,” the federation said.
The Uganda Cranes national team said the country had lost a player who “carried the hopes of a nation.”
Uganda’s Parliament observed a minute of silence in his honour on Wednesday and called for a swift investigation into the killing.
Popularly known as “Colgate,” Owori returned to SC Villa for a second spell in 2023 and played a key role in helping the club win its first Uganda Premier League title in 20 years, securing a record-extending 17th league crown in 2024.
His impressive performances earned him a contract extension until January 2027. He also represented Uganda during the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and was widely regarded as a strong contender for future national team call-ups.
His death has reignited concerns over rising violent crime in Kampala, with many Ugandans demanding improved security and tougher action against criminals.
The tragedy comes only weeks after the death of Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, who was also killed in a violent attack in Kampala.
