One of Uganda’s best-known footballers has been beaten to death while trying to fight a group of muggers.
Police said David Owori, 27, died after resisting a violent attempt by a gang of people to take his phone and other belongings near the footballer’s home in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, on Tuesday night.
Witnesses reportedly saw a group of attackers hitting the captain of Sports Club (SC) Villa with paving stones in the plush suburb of Makindye, leaving him unconscious as they fled with his belongings.
Owori was rushed to a nearby clinic, before being transferred to a private facility in the city. He died of his injuries on Wednesday.
SC Villa 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.’
Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said cops are looking into the killing: ‘The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.’
The death of Owori, who played for Uganda’s national team, has sent shockwaves across the country.
Tributes almost immediately began pouring in.
Police said David Owori, 27, (pictured) died after resisting an violent attempt by a gang of people to take his phone and other belongings
Witnesses reportedly saw a group of attackers hitting him with paving stones
The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) said he was ‘a true leader on and off the pitch.’
The group added: ‘David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation.’
Meanwhile, the national team – also known as The Cranes – said it had lost a star who ‘carried the hopes of a nation.’
The country’s parliament observed a minute of silence on Wednesday, and called for a swift investigation into Owori’s death.
Owori, a right-back and midfielder, was renowned for his tactical ability and versatility.
In 2024, he helped lead SC Villa into their first league title in 20 years, securing its 17th top-flight trophy.
His work on the pitch earned him a contract extension with SC Villa until at least 2027.
Owori worked with The Cranes during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying stages, and was seen as a strong choice for future call-ups.
