Ugandan football captain killed in street attack

Uganda is mourning the death of football captain David Owori, who was fatally attacked near his home in Kampala in what police are investigating as a suspected robbery. The 27-year-old defender and midfielder, who captained Sports Club Villa, was attacked in the Makindye area on Tuesday night as he approached his residence.

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We have lost more than a player – we have lost a leader, brother and friend.

Witnesses reported that a group of suspected robbers struck Owori with paving stones before taking his belongings and fleeing the scene. He was initially rushed to a nearby medical facility and later transferred to a private hospital in Kampala, where he ultimately died from his injuries. SC Villa confirmed the tragic loss, describing Owori as "much more than a footballer – we have lost a leader, brother and friend."

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The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to the medical facility.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye stated that Owori was ambushed close to his home. "The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to the medical facility," Kasingye said. Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that investigations are underway, with officers documenting and processing the scene to collect evidence.

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The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.

Owori, affectionately known as “Colgate,” was a prominent figure in Ugandan football, playing for the successful SC Villa and representing the Uganda national team, the Cranes. He had returned to SC Villa in 2023 and was instrumental in their winning the 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024, their first league championship in two decades. His performances had earned him a contract extension until 2027. His death has ignited public anger and renewed calls for stronger measures against violent crime in Kampala, with fans, teammates, and political leaders demanding justice for the fallen player.

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David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation.