Ugandan football has been left in mourning following the death of SC Villa captain David Owori, who was killed at the age of 27 after a violent attack near his home in Kampala. According to police, Owori was assaulted by suspected robbers in the Makindye Division while returning home, with reports indicating he was targeted after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings.
The incident has triggered widespread grief across Uganda’s football community and renewed concern over violent crime in the country. Owori, regarded as one of Uganda’s most recognizable footballers, died from the injuries he sustained in the attack. His death came alongside the separate passing of Masaza Cup player Rogers Ssebyondya, deepening the sense of loss within Ugandan football.
Ugandan Football Star David Owori Killed in Brutal Robbery Attack Outside Kampala Home
Uganda is mourning the loss of national team footballer and SC Villa captain David Owori, who died at the age of 27 after a violent attack near his home in Kampala. Witnesses said the attackers struck him with paving stones before fleeing the scene, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to a nearby clinic and later transferred to a private hospital, where he died from his injuries on Wednesday.
SC Villa confirmed the tragic news and paid tribute to its captain. “We have lost more than a player – we have lost a leader, brother and friend,” the club said in a statement. Club spokesperson Asan Kasingye said, “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.” Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that investigators are working to identify those responsible, adding, “The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.”
Owori’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes across Uganda from teammates, supporters, football officials, and political leaders. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) described him as “a true leader on and off the pitch,” adding, “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation.” Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, said it had lost a player who “carried the hopes” of the country, while Parliament observed a minute’s silence in his honor and called for a swift investigation. The tragedy comes only weeks after Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was also killed in a separate attack in Kampala.
Who Was David Owori? Everything to Know About the Uganda Football Star
David Owori was a Ugandan professional footballer who established himself as one of the country’s most respected defenders and midfielders through his leadership, versatility, and consistent performances. Born on September 23, 1998, in Tororo, Uganda, he developed his game at Nsambya Young Stars Academy before progressing through Wembley Soccer Academy and Lukuli United. His professional career began with Vipers SC in 2016, followed by a move to SC Villa in 2018, where he quickly became an influential figure. Between 2021 and 2023, Owori gained overseas experience with Spanish club Vélez CF and Swedish side Utsiktens BK before returning to SC Villa in 2023.
Back at SC Villa, Owori emerged as the team’s captain and played a pivotal role in guiding the club to its 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024, ending a two-decade wait for the championship. Comfortable as both a right-back and midfielder, he earned praise for his tactical awareness, work ethic, and leadership on the pitch. Owori also represented Uganda at youth level and remained part of the senior national team setup during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with many viewing him as one of the country’s brightest football talents.
