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The killings have sparked outrage with police urged to take action
Footballer David Owori has died at the age of 27 after being attacked by a group of suspected robbers.
A Ugandan international, Owori played as a right back and midfielder and captained Sports Club (SC) Villa, the Uganda Premier League’s most successful ever team. He also previously played in Europe with Spanish side Velez CF and Swedish outfit Utsiktens BK, while he featured for the national team – the Cranes – during qualifying for the 2021 African Cup of Nations.
He was fatally assaulted near his home in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, on Tuesday night. Witnesses say a group of attackers attempted to steal his mobile phone and other possessions, with Owori resisting their efforts.
The suspected attackers then reportedly hit the footballer with paving stones and he was knocked unconscious as they robbed him of his belongings and fled.
Owori was rushed to a nearby medical clinic with life-threatening injuries, but tragically passed away on Wednesday. Police detectives are now working to identify those responsible for the fatal attack.
It comes just weeks after Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo was also killed in a mob attack in Kampala.
SC Villa have paid tribute to their captain Owori and called for justice to be served, with a club statement reading: “David was a valuable player, leader, and servant of the game whose loss is deeply felt by both the Club and the nation.
“We call upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently pursue, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This senseless act has robbed the Club and the country of a committed captain and a promising sportsman, and it must not go unanswered.”
A statement from the Ugandan national team read: “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation.
“As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation. We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.
We pray that the Almighty grants Owori David eternal rest and gives his family and SC Villa the strength to bear this great loss during these trying times. Rest in peace, Captain.”
It follows the death of rugby player Gongodyo in Kampala in June, with many Ugandans outraged by the killings and calling for tougher action to be taken against violent crime in the capital.
According to police, the forward, who was also 27, appeared to have been mistaken for a thief when he was fatally attacked. Four men have since been charged with his murder and remanded in custody.
In a tribute, the Uganda Rugby Union described Gondogyo as “a proud servant of the game, a fierce competitor, and a respected teammate, who represented the very best of Ugandan Rugby both in club colours, and in national service.”
The union added: “Though the final whistle has blown, Sydney’s spirit will forever remain part of Uganda Rugby. Your jersey may be folded and your boots laid to rest, but your legacy will continue to march with every Rugby Crane, and every Pirate who takes to the field.”
