Ugandan football captain David Owori dies after being beaten to death in robbery

Warning: This article contains discussion of violence which some readers may find distressing.

Ugandan footballer David Owori has died at just 27 after being beaten to death in a suspected robbery near his home in Kampala.

Owori, who captained SC Villa and played for his national side, was one of the country’s best-known players and his shock death has prompted an outpouring of grief.

In a statement, SC Villa said: "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 side added: "We have lost more than a player - we have lost a leader, brother and friend.”

Police have said Owori was fatally assaulted on Tuesday (4 August) night after resisting an attempt to steal his phone and other belongings, the BBC reports.

According to witnesses, a group of attackers set upon Owori and began hitting him with paving stones before taking his belongings and fleeing the scene, while he lay unconscious on the ground.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye told journalists that the horrific attack happened just outside his home in the suburb of Makindye.

"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," Kasingye said.

Owori was rushed to a local medical clinic before being transferred to a private medical facility in the city, but tragically passed away due to his injuries on Wednesday (5 August).

Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators were currently following up on all leads to try and identify those responsible.

"The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved," Kawala added.

Owori began his career a decade ago in 2016 at the Uganda Premier League side Vipers and has also had stints playing in the Spanish and Swedish leagues.

Most recently, he played as both right-back and midfielder for SC Villa, helping the side to secure a record-breaking 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024

The Federation ​of Uganda Football Associations has paid tribute to Owori following the tragedy.

In a statement, it said: “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 to mark his passing.

His death has brought renewed focus to the issue of violent crime in Uganda.

In June, Ugandan rugby player Sydney Gongodyo died after a gang mistook him for a thief and attacked him in Kampala.

Uganda’s National Council of Sports said: “Sadly, ​Ugandan sport has been hit with many such ​tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution.”