Ugandan Football Captain Beaten To Death In Street Gang Attack

Grief has engulfed Uganda’s football fraternity following the death of SC Villa captain David Owori, who was fatally attacked by a gang near his Kampala home.

The 27-year-old defender, fondly called “Colgate,” was set upon by robbers as he made his way home in the Makindye area on Tuesday night.

According to club officials, he fought back when the attackers tried to seize his phone and other valuables, and was struck repeatedly with paving stones before being left unconscious.

Owori was first taken to a nearby clinic, then moved to a private hospital in the city, where doctors battled to save him.

He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said the club was devastated by the loss of a player he described as central to the team both on and off the field.

Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that investigators had secured the scene and were following leads to track down those responsible.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations hailed Owori as a natural leader whose influence went far beyond the pitch, while Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, said the country had lost a star who carried its footballing hopes.

Lawmakers in Parliament paused proceedings on Wednesday to honour him with a minute’s silence.

A versatile player comfortable at right-back or in midfield, Owori had only recently extended his contract with SC Villa through January 2027, after helping steer the club to a record 17th league title in 2024 – its first in two decades.

He had also turned out for Uganda during their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and was tipped for further national team call-ups.

News of his killing has reignited fury among Ugandans over the country’s worsening crime problem, arriving just weeks after rugby star Sydney Gongodyo was killed in a similar mob attack in the capital.