Ugandan Football Star Owori Killed in Robbery Attack

Ugandan football is mourning the death of David Owori, one of the country’s most celebrated footballers. He was 27 when he was attacked by robbers near his home in the capital, Kampala. The incident has triggered grief and anger across the country. Police said Owori was brutally beaten after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings.

Owori was the captain of Ugandan Premier League record champions SC Villa. He played as both a defender and midfielder and was a key figure in the national team. “We have not just lost a player, we have lost a leader, a brother and a friend,” SC Villa said in a statement. Police said an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. Local police spokeswoman Racheal Kawala said investigators had collected evidence from the scene.

Owori’s death has sparked nationwide mourning and renewed calls for justice. Known by the nickname “Colgate”, he was described by the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) as a “true leader on and off the field”. The national team, the Cranes, said he was a player who carried the hopes of Uganda. A minute’s silence was observed in his memory in Parliament on Wednesday.

Owori rejoined SC Villa for a second spell in 2023 and captained the team to the league title in 2024, ending a 20-year drought and securing the club’s record-extending 17th championship. In recognition of his contributions, his contract was extended until January 2027. He also represented Uganda during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

His death has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many raising concerns about rising violent crime in Kampala. Just weeks earlier, another sports star, rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, was killed in a similar attack.