Uganda is mourning David Owori, one of its most prominent footballers, who died at 27 after being attacked by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala. Police say the SC Villa captain was assaulted after he resisted attempts to steal his phone and other belongings, an incident that has reignited public anger over rising violent crime in the capital.
Owori led SC Villa, the Uganda Premier League’s most successful club, playing as both a right-back and midfielder, and also earned caps for the national team, the Cranes. The club said it had lost more than a player, describing him as a leader, brother and friend.
According to witnesses, a group of attackers struck Owori with paving stones outside his home in the Makindye suburb on Tuesday night before robbing him and fleeing, leaving him unconscious. SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said the footballer was ambushed as he approached his residence and suffered life-threatening injuries before being rushed for treatment. He was first taken to a nearby clinic, then transferred to a private hospital, where he died on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators were following leads to track down the attackers and confirmed the scene had been processed for evidence.
Tributes have poured in from across Uganda’s football community and political establishment for Owori, known affectionately as “Colgate.” The Federation of Uganda Football Associations called him a leader and inspiration both on and off the pitch, while the Cranes said the country had lost a star who carried the nation’s hopes. Parliament observed a minute’s silence in his honour on Wednesday and urged a swift investigation.
Owori rejoined SC Villa in 2023 after a two-year spell in Europe and was among the squad’s longest-serving players at the time of his death. He was instrumental in the club’s 2024 title win, its first in 20 years and a record 17th overall, and had recently signed a contract extension through January 2027. He also featured in Uganda’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and was seen as a likely future contender for national team selection.
His death has fuelled outrage on social media, with Ugandans demanding tougher action on crime. It comes weeks after rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was also killed in a mob attack in Kampala.
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