David Owori, a captain for Sports Club Villa and the Ugandan national team, was fatally injured during a robbery near his home in Makindye division on Tuesday night.

Attack Details and Police Response

Owori was attacked after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, and Racheal Kawala, a spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan police, said he was found unconscious by passersby, who took him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Wednesday.

Witnesses reported that attackers hit the footballer with paving stones before robbing him and fleeing, leaving him unconscious, according to the BBC.

Football Career and Achievements

Owori, 27, played as a right-back and midfielder for SC Villa. He contributed to the team’s historic 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024. He began his senior career in 2016 with Vipers Sports Club and later played in Europe with Vélez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden.

He also played for the national team in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reactions from the Football Community

SC Villa expressed deep sorrow over Owori’s death, stating, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our captain, Owori, who had been receiving treatment at Case Clinic following an attack by suspected thugs. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family.”

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations added, “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation.”

The federation continued, “We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.”

The Ugandan parliament observed a minute of silence in Owori’s honour on Wednesday.

In June, Sydney Gongodyo, a Ugandan rugby international, died after a mob attacked him in Kampala, mistaking him for a thief, police said.

The Uganda National Council of Sports expressed concern, stating, “Sadly, Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution.”