Uganda Footballer David Owori Killed in Kampala Robbery

Uganda’s football community is grieving after a player died from injuries sustained during a robbery in Kampala on Tuesday evening.

David Owori, captain of Uganda Premier League side Sports Club Villa and a former national-team player, was assaulted near his home in Makindye division after reportedly trying to stop thieves from taking his phone and other possessions.

Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said passersby discovered him unconscious and brought him to a nearby medical facility. He was later moved to another hospital, where his death was confirmed on Wednesday.

Witnesses said the assailants struck Owori with paving stones, stole his belongings and escaped while he remained unconscious, according to reports.

The 27-year-old played as a right-back and midfielder for SC Villa, helping the club secure a record-extending 17th Uganda Premier League championship in 2024.

Owori began his senior career with Uganda Premier League club Vipers Sports Club in 2016. He later played in Europe for Vélez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden.

He also appeared for Uganda during the qualification campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

SC Villa announced that the club was deeply saddened by the sudden death of its captain, who had been undergoing treatment at Case Clinic after an attack by suspected criminals. The club offered its condolences and prayers to his family.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations described Owori as far more than a player, calling him a leader who inspired a generation. It praised the courage, humility and passion he displayed as SC Villa captain and said he represented the nation’s hopes while wearing the Uganda Cranes shirt.

The federation added that Uganda had lost a son, a leader and a sporting star whose influence, both on and away from the field, would always be remembered.

Uganda’s parliament held a minute of silence on Wednesday to pay tribute to Owori.

His death follows another sporting tragedy in June, when Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was killed by a mob in Kampala after being mistaken for a thief, according to police.

Uganda’s National Council of Sports expressed concern over the recent series of tragedies affecting the country’s sporting community and called for justice and a permanent solution.