Ugandans are mourning the death of one of the country's best-known footballers, David Owori, after he was fatally beaten by suspected robbers near his home in the capital, Kampala. He was 27.
Police said David Owori was attacked after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, sparking an outpouring of grief and renewed public concern over violent crime in Uganda.
His death has also fuelled outrage on social media, with many Ugandans questioning the worsening security situation in Kampala and calling for tougher action against violent criminals.
The killing comes just weeks after the death of another Ugandan sports star, rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, who was also fatally attacked in Kampala.
Owori captained Sports Club (SC) Villa, Uganda Premier League record champions, where he played as both a right-back and midfielder. He also represented Uganda's national football team, the Cranes.
"We have lost more than a player—we have lost a leader, a brother and a friend," SC Villa said in a statement.
According to witnesses, a group of attackers assaulted Owori with paving stones on Tuesday night before robbing him of his belongings and fleeing, leaving him unconscious.
SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said Owori was attacked just outside his home in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala.
"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.
Owori was initially taken to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a private hospital in Kampala, where he died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were actively pursuing leads to identify and arrest those responsible.
"The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved," Kawala said.
Owori's murder has sent shockwaves across Uganda, with football fans, teammates, sports officials and politicians demanding swift justice.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the defender, who was affectionately known by the nickname "Colgate."
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) described Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch."
"David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation," the federation said.
The Cranes also paid tribute, describing him as a player who "carried the hopes" of Ugandan football.
Uganda's Parliament observed a minute's silence in his honour on Wednesday and called for a swift and thorough investigation into his killing.
Renowned for his tactical discipline and versatility across defence and midfield, Owori returned to SC Villa in 2023 after a two-year spell in Europe, marking his second stint with the club. At the time of his death, he was among the longest-serving members of the current squad.
He played a key role in guiding SC Villa to its first Uganda Premier League title in 20 years, helping the club secure a record-extending 17th league crown in 2024.
His leadership and performances earned him a contract extension until January 2027.
Owori also featured for Uganda during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and was widely regarded as a strong contender for future call-ups to the Cranes before his untimely death.
