Ugandan football has been thrown into mourning following the death of SC Villa captain David Owori, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained after an attack by unknown assailants in Makindye, Kampala.
According to preliminary reports, the 27-year-old defender was attacked near his home at around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Case Clinic for emergency medical attention but was later pronounced dead.
Owori, a right-back who wore jersey number 15 for SC Villa, had established himself as one of the club’s most influential players and leaders. His consistent performances earned him recognition beyond club football, including a place in the provisional Uganda Cranes squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
News of his death has sparked widespread grief among teammates, supporters, football administrators and the wider sporting community, with tributes pouring in from across Uganda.
By Wednesday morning, authorities had not released an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the attack. Police investigations are expected to establish the motive and identify those responsible.
Owori’s death is a major blow to SC Villa and Ugandan football, with fans and colleagues remembering him for his leadership, dedication and outstanding contribution on the pitch.
The development comes a few months after the death of another sports personality, Sydney Gongodyo,27, a national rugby player for the Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates.
Gongodyo was beaten to death in a mob attack in June after being falsely accused of snatching a woman’s handbag, caught in a case of mistaken identity.
Several suspects have since been arrested and arraigned in courts of law over the attack.
