David Owor death leaves Uganda football demanding answers after Kampala attack

Uganda footballer David Owor has died aged 27 after allegedly being beaten by suspected thieves near his home in the capital, Kampala, prompting widespread grief and renewed anger over violent crime in the country.

Police said Owor was fatally attacked after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings. The incident has shocked Uganda’s football community, with supporters, team-mates and politicians calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Owor was captain of Sports Club Villa, the record holders for Uganda Premier League titles, and played as both a right-back and a midfielder. He also represented Uganda at international level.

The attack took place on Tuesday night in Makindye, a Kampala suburb, according to witnesses. They said a group of attackers struck Owor with paving stones before taking his possessions and fleeing, leaving him unconscious.

Asan Kasingye, a spokesperson for SC Villa, said the player had been targeted directly outside his home.

“The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with serious, life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to a medical facility,” Kasingye told reporters.

Owor was first taken to a nearby medical clinic before being transferred to a private facility in the city. He died from his injuries on Wednesday.

Local police spokesperson Rachel Kwala said investigators were following leads to identify those behind the attack.

“The scene of the incident was documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence was collected and preserved,” Kwala said.

Owor, who was popularly known as Colgate, had become a prominent figure at SC Villa and was widely respected by the Ugandan football community.

The club issued a statement mourning the loss of a player it described as much more than a member of its squad.

“We have lost more than just a player… we have lost a leader, a brother and a friend,” SC Villa said.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) described Owor as “a true leader on and off the pitch”.

Its statement added: “David was not just a footballer. He was a leader and an inspiration to an entire generation.”

Uganda’s national team, known as The Cranes, also paid tribute, saying the country had lost a football star who carried Uganda’s hopes.

The killing prompted an emotional response across the country, with tributes continuing to be paid to the defender. Members of the football community have joined calls for a swift investigation amid renewed concern about violent crime.

Uganda’s parliament observed a minute’s silence for Owor on Wednesday and called for the circumstances of his death to be investigated quickly.

Police have not announced any arrests, while investigators continue working to establish the identities of the suspected attackers and the full circumstances surrounding the robbery attempt.