Uganda Mourns As SC Villa Captain David Owori Killed In Robbery Attack

Ugandan football has been plunged into mourning following the death of SC Villa captain David Owori, who was fatally attacked by suspected robbers outside his home in Kampala on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old defender, who also represented the Uganda national team, the Cranes, reportedly resisted attempts by the gang to steal his mobile phone and other belongings before being struck repeatedly with paving stones in the Makindye suburb.

According to police, the attackers fled the scene, leaving Owori unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a private hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said witnesses saw a group of assailants ambush the defender just a few metres from his residence.

The tragic killing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Uganda, with football fans, teammates and public officials paying tribute to the late captain while calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The Ugandan Parliament observed a minute’s silence in his honour, while the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) described Owori as “a true leader on and off the pitch.”

Popularly known as “Colgate”, Owori returned to SC Villa in 2023 after a two-year spell in Europe and played a pivotal role in guiding the club to its first Ugandan Premier League title in two decades in 2024. He had recently committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension until January 2027.

Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were pursuing several leads and examining evidence recovered from the crime scene, adding that no arrests had been made.

Owori’s death comes just weeks after Uganda rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was killed in a separate violent attack in Kampala, fuelling growing concerns over rising violent crime in the Ugandan capital.