Uganda mourns national football star after brutal street attack

The 27‑year‑old captain of SC Villa, David Owori, was beaten to death by suspected robbers outside his home in Makindye, a Kampala suburb, leaving the country in shock. The assault, which involved attackers striking him with paving stones before robbing him of his mobile phone and other belongings, is being investigated by local police as a targeted robbery gone wrong.

Owori, who was known on the pitch by the nickname “Colgate,” had captained SC Villa’s legendary team to a record 17th league title in 2024, and had earned international caps with the national team, the Cranes. Reporters present at the scene described how the attackers launched the ambush as he approached his home, leaving him unconscious; he was taken to a nearby clinic and transferred to a private facility where he later died of his injuries.

SC Villa released a statement mourning the loss of “a leader, brother and friend” while the Federation of Uganda Football Associations praised him as “a true leader on and off the pitch.” The Cranes expressed that the team had lost a stalwart who “carried the hopes” of Uganda.

Parliament observed a minute of silence for Owori and called for a rapid investigation. Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that evidence had been collected and that detectives were pursuing leads to identify those responsible.

The tragedy has ignited widespread anger on social media, with many Ugandans demanding tougher action against violent crime. Owori’s death comes a few weeks after the fatal attack on rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, underscoring the growing concern about street violence in Kampala.

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