Uganda Mourns Football Star David Owori Killed in Robbery Attack

Uganda is mourning the death of national team footballer David Owori, who died at the age of 27 after he was attacked by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala, sparking widespread grief and renewed concerns over violent crime in the country.

According to the BBC, police said Owori was assaulted after resisting an attempt by the attackers to rob him of his mobile phone and other personal belongings.

Owori captained Uganda Premier League giants Sports Club (SC) Villa, where he featured as both a right-back and midfielder, and also represented the Uganda national team, the Cranes.

In a statement, SC Villa described his death as a huge loss to the club.

“We have lost more than a player – we have lost a leader, brother and friend,” the club said.

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Witnesses said the footballer was attacked by a group of assailants on Tuesday night, who reportedly struck him with paving stones before making away with his belongings and leaving him unconscious.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said the incident occurred just outside Owori’s residence 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 later died on Wednesday.

Uganda Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that investigations were ongoing.

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

The killing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across Uganda’s football community, political leaders and supporters, many of whom have called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

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 Uganda national team also paid tribute, saying it had lost a player who “carried the hopes” of the country.

Uganda’s Parliament observed a minute of silence in his honour on Wednesday and urged security agencies to conduct a swift investigation into the killing.

Owori returned to SC Villa in 2023 after a two-year stint in Europe and became one of the longest-serving members of the current squad. He captained the club to its first league title in two decades, helping SC Villa secure a record-extending 17th Uganda Premier League crown in 2024.

His leadership earned him a contract extension until January 2027, while his performances for the Cranes during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign had kept him in contention for future national team selections.

His death has also reignited public debate over insecurity in Kampala, with many Ugandans taking to social media to demand tougher measures against violent crime.

The tragedy comes only weeks after another Ugandan sports figure, rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, was also killed in a violent attack in Kampala.