Ugandan football is in mourning after international defender David Owori died from injuries sustained during a violent robbery near his home in Kampala.Police said the 27-year-old was attacked on Tuesday night after reportedly resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.CLUB STATEMENTIt is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our captain, David Owori, who had been receiving treatment at Case Clinic following an attack by suspected thugs.Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family.Rest in peace, Captain.… pic.twitter.com/8YjXoPDQf9— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) August 5, 2026 According to witnesses, a group of assailants assaulted Owori with paving stones before stealing his possessions and fleeing the scene, leaving the SC Villa captain unconscious.Police have launched an investigation and say efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.Owori was one of the most respected figures in Ugandan football, captaining record league champions SC Villa while also representing the Uganda Cranes national team. Comfortable at both right-back and in midfield, he played a key role in ending SC Villa's 20-year wait for a league title, helping the club lift its 17th Uganda Premier League crown in 2024.It has been established that David Owori's killers beat him and caused multiple injuries, including around his neck and stomach.They also made off with his phone…RIP, captain#NBSportThePavilion #NBSportUpdates pic.twitter.com/uIanOj51j2— NBS Sport (@NBSportUg) August 5, 2026 His leadership on and off the pitch earned him a contract extension until January 2027, while he remained firmly in contention for future appearances with the national team after featuring during Uganda's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign."We have lost more than a player – we have lost a leader, brother and friend," SC Villa said in a statement.Uganda's football federation (FUFA) described Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch," while the Uganda Cranes paid tribute to a player who "carried the hopes of a nation."##NAJAVA_MECA_9878447##The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country. Uganda's Parliament observed a minute's silence in Owori's honour, while fans, teammates, politicians and football officials have all called for justice.His death has also reignited concerns over violent crime in Kampala, with many Ugandans demanding stronger action from authorities.The tragedy comes only weeks after another high-profile loss for Ugandan sport, with rugby international Sydney Gongodyo also dying following a fatal attack in the capital.
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