Uganda international David Owori, captain of SC Villa, has died after being assaulted by unidentified attackers in Kampala, police have confirmed.
The 28-year-old footballer was critically injured in a suburb of the Ugandan capital on Tuesday, according to police spokesperson Racheal Kawala.
Passers-by found Owori unconscious and took him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another medical facility, where he was pronounced dead, Kawala said.
The circumstances surrounding the assault have not been detailed by police.
Owori was captain of SC Villa, one of Uganda’s biggest football clubs, and also represented the Uganda national team. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and anger, with supporters and other Ugandans expressing their outrage on X.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations paid tribute to Owori in a statement, describing him as a significant figure both on and off the pitch.
“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 said.
The killing comes amid wider concern about crime in Kampala, where many Ugandans have criticised the authorities over what they see as an inability to tackle rising insecurity.
Owori’s death also follows the death of another prominent Ugandan sports figure in June.
Rugby player Sydney Gongodyo died after being assaulted by a mob in Kampala, police said. He was apparently mistaken for a thief.
The two deaths have intensified calls for action over violence and public safety in the capital.
“Sadly, Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution,” the state-run National Council of Sports Uganda said.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also called on the authorities to address broader security problems across the country. His comments were reported in a statement published on the parliament’s website.
Owori’s death has left SC Villa and Uganda’s football community mourning a player who held leadership roles at both club and international level. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations said he had represented the hopes of the nation in the Uganda Cranes jersey, while his club captaincy had made him a prominent figure in domestic football.
Police have confirmed that Owori was attacked by unidentified assailants, but the source article does not provide details of any arrests or charges. His death has nevertheless become the latest focus of public concern over violence in Kampala and the safety of people in the city.
