David Owori, Uganda's SC Villa Captain, Killed in Street Robbery Attack in Kampala

David Owori, captain of Uganda's record-champion SC Villa and international footballer for the Cranes national team, was killed following a brutal street robbery near his home in Kampala on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old suffered fatal injuries after being struck with paving stones by assailants who targeted him outside his residence in Makindye, a suburb of the capital. His death has ignited widespread outrage across Uganda's football community and sparked renewed demands for justice and enhanced security measures.

Details of the Attack

Owori was ambushed at approximately 8:00 pm as he approached his home in Makindye Division. According to witnesses and club officials, a group of attackers struck him with paving stones before robbing him of his belongings and fleeing the scene, leaving him unconscious. Residents immediately rushed him to a nearby medical clinic, from where he was transferred to Case Clinic, a private facility in Kampala. Despite emergency medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

Kampala Metropolitan police confirmed the incident and launched an active manhunt for those responsible. Deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire indicated that investigations were underway to determine the exact motive and identify the assailants. The scene has been documented and processed to preserve evidence, according to police statements.

Impact on Uganda's Football Community

Owori's death has reverberated across Ugandan football and beyond. SC Villa described him as more than a player—calling him a leader, brother, and friend to the organization. The club released a statement mourning the loss of their captain, whom they credited with being a dedicated and respected figure both on and off the pitch. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) characterized Owori as "a true leader" and "an inspiration to a generation," while the national Cranes team acknowledged losing a footballer who "carried the hopes" of Uganda.

Parliament observed a minute's silence in his honor and called for expedited investigations. Owori, popularly known by the nickname Colgate, was renowned for his tactical discipline and versatility, having played as both a right-back and midfielder during his career with SC Villa. He had returned to the club in 2023 for a second spell and had become one of its longest-serving senior players during the 2025/26 season.