– KAMPALA, Uganda
Ugandan international footballer David Owori, captain of SC Villa and a member of the national team known as the ‘Uganda Cranes,’ has died following a violent assault in the capital. The 27-year-old player was attacked on the night of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, near his home in the Makindye neighborhood of Kampala by a group of unidentified assailants. Police reported that Owori was critically injured after resisting an attempted robbery in which the attackers sought to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings.
Witnesses recounted that the attackers repeatedly struck Owori with paving stones before fleeing the scene, leaving him unconscious. Passers-by found the player and rushed him to a nearby medical center for emergency treatment. He was subsequently transferred to another hospital for specialized care but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, August 5. Kampala police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the details of the incident and stated that investigators are actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
SC Villa, one of Uganda's most decorated football clubs and the record-holder for Uganda Premier League titles, described the attack as an ‘heinous crime.’ In an official statement, the club said: ‘We have lost more than a player; we have lost a leader, a brother, and a friend.’ Owori, popularly known as ‘Colgate,’ was a versatile player who operated as both a right-back and a midfielder. He had previously played for clubs such as Vipers SC, as well as teams in Spain and Sweden, before returning to SC Villa, where he helped the team secure a league title in recent seasons. The club announced that it will retire his number 15 jersey in his honor.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) paid tribute to Owori, describing him as a leader and a source of inspiration. David was not just a footballer. He was a leader and an inspiration to an entire generation. As captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility, and passion. Wearing the 'Uganda Cranes' jersey, he carried the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders,’ the federation stated. His death has caused deep shock within the Ugandan football community and among the general public, many people have expressed their grief and outrage on social media.
The incident has reignited concerns regarding violent crime in Kampala, where such attacks remain a significant challenge. Owori's death comes weeks after Sydney Gongodyo, an international rugby player, was fatally attacked by a mob in the capital after being mistaken for a thief. Authorities, including the National Council of Sports of Uganda, have demanded justice and lasting solutions to address the series of tragedies affecting Ugandan sports figures. Police continue to investigate the attack on Owori as the nation mourns the loss of one of its most outstanding football talents.