Ugandan international footballer David Owori, 27, has died after being beaten by a group of muggers while attempting to resist the theft of his phone and other belongings. The incident occurred Tuesday night near Owori's home in Kampala, Uganda's capital.
Witnesses reported that a group of attackers struck Owori, captain of Sports Club (SC) Villa, with paving stones in the Makindye suburb. He was left unconscious and subsequently rushed to a clinic, then a private medical facility, where he died of his injuries on Wednesday.
SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye stated that the player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that the scene was documented to collect evidence and that an investigation is underway.
Owori, a right-back and midfielder, was a prominent figure in Ugandan football. He was instrumental in SC Villa's 2024 league title win, their first in 20 years. He also played for Uganda's national team, known as The Cranes, during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying stages.
The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) described Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch" and an inspiration. The Cranes acknowledged the loss of a player who "carried the hopes of a nation."
Uganda's parliament observed a moment of silence on Wednesday and called for a swift investigation into the death. Owori had recently signed a contract extension with SC Villa, keeping him with the club until at least 2027. He was considered a strong candidate for future national team call-ups.