Uganda is mourning the death of David Owori, the 27-year-old captain of SC Villa, after he was fatally attacked by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala.
According to police, the attackers assaulted Owori after he resisted an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings. Witnesses said a group of assailants struck him with paving stones before robbing him and fleeing the scene.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala. Owori was taken to a nearby clinic and later transferred to a private hospital, where he died from his injuries on Wednesday. Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators are pursuing leads to identify and arrest those responsible. She added that the crime scene has been processed and evidence collected as part of the investigation.
Tributes from across UgandaOwori was one of Uganda’s most respected footballers. He captained SC Villa, the country’s most successful club with a record number of league titles, and also represented Uganda’s national team, the Cranes. SC Villa described his death as a devastating loss: “We have lost more than a player—we have lost a leader, brother and friend. “The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) praised him as “a true leader on and off the pitch,” while the national team said he had carried the hopes of Ugandan football.
Uganda’s Parliament observed a minute of silence in his honour and called for a swift investigation into his killing.Football career Owori, popularly known as “Colgate,” was a versatile player who could operate as both a right-back and a midfielder. After spending two years playing in Europe, he returned to SC Villa in 2023 for a second spell. He played a key role in helping the club win the 2024 Uganda Premier League title, ending a 20-year wait for the championship and securing the club’s record 17th league crown.
His performances earned him a contract extension until January 2027, and he was considered a strong candidate for future national team selections. Public concern over violent crime Owori’s death has sparked widespread anger across Uganda, with many people demanding stronger action against violent crime in Kampala.
The tragedy comes only weeks after another Ugandan sports figure, rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, was also killed in a violent attack in the capital, further fueling concerns about public safety. Authorities have pledged to bring those responsible for Owori’s murder to justice as tributes continue to pour in from across Uganda and the wider African football community.
