David Owori, SC Villa captain and Uganda international, dies after robbery attack in Kampala

David Owori, the 27-year-old captain of Sports Club Villa and a Uganda international, died in hospital after being attacked by robbers during a robbery in Kampala on Tuesday night. He was assaulted after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, witnesses and officials said.

Owori played as a right-back and midfielder for SC Villa and had been captain of the club; he helped the side win its 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024. He began his senior career in 2016 with Vipers Sports Club and later had spells in Europe with Vélez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden. Owori represented Uganda in qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Racheal Kawala, a spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, said he was found unconscious by passersby who took him to a nearby hospital; he was transferred to another hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Witnesses told the BBC that attackers struck the footballer with paving stones before robbing him and fleeing, leaving him unconscious.

SC Villa issued a statement on his death and described the circumstances of his treatment. "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our captain, Owori, who had been receiving treatment at Case Clinic following an attack by suspected thugs. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family."

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations paid tribute to Owori in a statement to the footballing community. "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." It added: "We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten."

The Ugandan parliament observed a minute of silence in Owori’s honour on Wednesday. In June, Sydney Gongodyo, a Ugandan rugby international, died after a mob attacked him in Kampala, police said, mistakenly believing him to be a thief.

Uganda’s National Council of Sports issued a statement mourning the loss and calling for accountability: "Sadly, Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution."