Uganda international David Owori, a 27-year-old football captain, was killed in a 'senseless act of violence,' according to his club, SC Villa. According to police, he was critically injured by unidentified attackers on Monday and later died in a hospital.
Owori, who led record-breaking champions SC Villa, was found unconscious and taken to a nearby hospital by passers-by. He was later transferred and pronounced dead, according to police spokesperson Racheal Kawala. Witnesses said attackers hit the footballer with paving stones before robbing him and fleeing, leaving him unconscious, the BBC reported. Owori was attacked near his home in Makindye on Monday evening before being rushed to Case Clinic in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he sadly passed away, according to a statement from SC Villa.
His death comes just weeks after the murder of rugby star Sydney Gongodyo, who was attacked in June after being mistaken for a thief. Both incidents have sparked outrage across the country.
The Uganda Football Federation described Owori as 'a leader and an inspiration to a generation,' highlighting his contributions to SC Villa and the Uganda national team. It added: “We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.” SC Villa called on local authorities to respond to the killing of Owori, who was commonly known as Colgate. The club said that Owori's No. 15 jersey would be retired.
Crime in Kampala has been a growing concern, with many Ugandans expressing frustration over the government's failure to address public safety. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called on authorities to take action on the country's security challenges.
Owori's death marks a second tragic loss in Ugandan sport in recent months. The National Council of Sports Uganda stated: 'Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution.' Owori led SC Villa to the 2024 Uganda Premier League title, ending a 20-year drought for the club. He started his senior career in 2016 at the Uganda Premier League side Vipers Sports Club and had stints in Europe with Vélez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden. He played for the national team in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.