SC Villa Captain David Owori Laid to Rest As Football Fraternity Demands Justice

Hundreds gathered in Bendo Village, Tororo District, to bid farewell to former SC Villa captain David Owori, who died after being attacked by suspected thugs in Kampala. Owori's death has intensified calls for swift investigations and justice within the Ugandan football community. His burial was attended by former teammates, cultural and religious leaders, government officials, friends, and community members, reflecting his significant impact.

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He was one player who gave us confidence. He could tell you, 'You are better than you think and can go further than you think.' Sometimes we would sit and wonder how that could be possible, but he gave us the morale to work hard. It is such a hard time now that he is no more. We promise to do something that will keep his name and legacy alive.

Mourners remembered Owori as a hardworking, dedicated, and inspirational figure whose contributions left a lasting legacy in Ugandan football. A former teammate recalled Owori's ability to instill confidence and encourage others, stating, "He was one player who gave us confidence. He could tell you, 'You are better than you think and can go further than you think.'" This sentiment highlighted his role as a morale booster for his peers. Representing SC Villa, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Assan Kasingye praised Owori's commitment, noting his crucial role in the club's Uganda Premier League victories in 2023 and 2024. Kasingye shared Owori's ambition: "We want to add more silverware for this club to reach history."

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David helped us win the Uganda Premier League in 2023 and 2024. He was the first to appear on the pitch and the last to leave, and that is why we trusted him as captain. He recently told the world, 'We want to add more silverware for this club to reach history.' That is how David thought about his club, SC Villa.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) also paid tribute, describing Owori as a talented and committed sportsman whose loss is deeply felt by his family, the football fraternity, and the nation. Rodgers Mulindwa, representing FUFA President Moses Magogo, demanded a thorough investigation into the killing. "The question is, why Owori? This is what still remains in the minds of the public. Recently, we lost another player from rugby. There is a feeling that this could be a deliberate move targeting the sports fraternity and you cannot rule it out," Mulindwa stated, raising concerns about potential targeted attacks on athletes.

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The question is, why Owori? This is what still remains in the minds of the public. Recently, we lost another player from rugby. There is a feeling that this could be a deliberate move targeting the sports fraternity and you cannot rule it out. Police should investigate and make the details clear because we cannot keep building players only to end up losing them like this.

Owori was also honored for his dedication to his family. His widow described him as a devoted husband and father who balanced his demanding football career with his commitment to his family. The outpouring of grief and the calls for justice underscore the profound impact David Owori had on Ugandan sports and the community.

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Owori was a good husband and the only person who could understand me. He was the best daddy to our son.