Uganda is in mourning after David Owori, the 27-year-old captain of SC Villa and a national team defender, was beaten to death outside his home in Kampala on Tuesday night. Police report that Owori was attacked when he resisted robbers attempting to steal his phone and other belongings. Witnesses say a gang ambushed him, striking him repeatedly with paving stones before fleeing. Owori was critically injured and rushed to hospital, but died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Club and national team pay tribute
SC Villa released a statement saying, 'We have lost more than a player – we have lost a leader, brother and friend.' Club spokesperson Asan Kasingye confirmed the attack occurred just outside Owori's home in the Makindye area. 'The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to a medical facility,' Kasingye said.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations described Owori as 'a true leader on and off the pitch,' while the national team said the country had lost a player who 'carried the hopes' of Uganda. Uganda's parliament held a minute's silence in his honour on Wednesday, and politicians have joined calls for justice.
Police investigation underway
Police have launched a murder investigation. Spokesperson Rachael Kawala said, 'The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.' Detectives are working to identify the attackers, and evidence has been gathered from the scene.
Owori, known to fans as 'Colgate,' was one of Uganda's top defenders, capable of playing at right-back or midfield. In 2023, he returned to SC Villa after a spell in Europe and helped the club end a 20-year wait for the Uganda Premier League title, securing a record 17th league crown in 2024. He was awarded a contract extension until 2027 and featured for Uganda during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Rising violent crime in Kampala
Owori's killing comes just weeks after Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo also died following a violent attack in Kampala. Both deaths have sparked concern over the rate of violent crime in the capital, with many taking to social media to demand stronger action against gangs operating in the city.
