The Ugandan football community is grappling with profound sorrow after the death of national team player and SC VillaTeam·SC Villa captain, David OworiPlayer·David Owori, who was killed in a robbery attack in Kampala. Owori, aged 27, succumbed to his injuries on August 5, 2026, following an assault near his home in Makindye Division the previous night.
Reports indicate that David OworiPlayer·David Owori was attacked by suspected robbers who attempted to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings. He was reportedly assaulted with paving stones after resisting the assailants. Residents quickly transported him to a nearby clinic, from where he was later transferred to Case Clinic (also known as Case Hospital), where he tragically passed away.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the attack, stating that a comprehensive investigation is underway. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the heinous crime.
Owori was a highly respected and influential figure within Ugandan football. As captain of SC VillaTeam·SC Villa, he led the club to a third-place finish in the recently concluded 2025/26 league campaign. His leadership was instrumental in SC VillaTeam·SC Villa securing the Uganda Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League title in 2024, a significant achievement that ended the club's 20-year championship drought. His strong performances had earned him a contract extension until 2027, underscoring his value to the team and his standing as one of its most influential senior players, both on and off the pitch. He also proudly represented Uganda's national team, the Cranes.
SC VillaTeam·SC Villa released a statement expressing their deep sorrow, describing Owori as "a valuable player, a respected leader and a committed servant of the game." The club further lamented the loss of "a leader, brother and friend" and issued a strong appeal to security agencies, urging them "to urgently pursue, apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime." The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) also paid tribute, honoring Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch" and "an inspiration to a generation."
Owori's untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the entire Ugandan football fraternity and has intensified concerns regarding the prevalence of violent crime in Kampala. The Ugandan Parliament observed a minute of silence in his honor, joining the public in calling for a swift and thorough investigation into his murder. This tragedy follows another recent incident in Kampala, where Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was also killed, further highlighting the urgent need for improved public safety measures.
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