Ugandan Football Mourns as SC Villa Captain David Owori Dies After Robbery Attack
Ugandan football captain David Owori tragically died after being fatally attacked by suspected robbers outside his Kampala home. The 27-year-old defender's death has prompted national mourning and calls for justice, raising serious concerns about rising violent crime in the Ugandan capital. Police are investigating, though no arrests have been made yet.
Uganda's football community is mourning the death of SC Villa captain David Owori, who died after being attacked by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala.
According to a report by Reuters, the Uganda international was assaulted in Kampala's Makindye suburb after reportedly resisting an attempt by a group of attackers to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings.
Police said Owori was repeatedly struck with paving stones before the attackers fled, leaving him unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility before being transferred to another hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with football fans, teammates and public officials paying tribute to one of the country's most respected players.
In a statement published by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the football governing body described Owori, affectionately known as "Colgate," as "a true leader on and off the pitch," praising his dedication to both club and country. Uganda's Parliament also observed a minute of silence in his honour.
Owori returned to SC Villa in 2023 after spending two seasons in Europe and captained the club to its first Uganda Premier League title in two decades in 2024. He had recently signed a contract extension that would have kept him at the club until January 2027.
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives are pursuing several leads and examining evidence recovered from the scene, although no arrests had been announced at the time of publication.
Owori's death has renewed concerns over violent crime in Kampala. It comes only weeks after Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was killed in a separate violent attack, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect athletes and the wider public.