Uganda football captain David Owori dies after assault in Kampala

Uganda international David Owori, captain of one of the country’s biggest football clubs, has died after being assaulted in the capital Kampala.

Owori, 28, was attacked by unidentified assailants in a Kampala suburb on Tuesday and suffered critical injuries, police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said.

Passers-by found the SC Villa captain unconscious and took him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another medical facility, where he was pronounced dead, Kawala said.

The Federation of Uganda Football Association paid tribute to Owori, describing him as a significant figure for both club and country.

“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,” the federation said in a statement.

Owori’s death has prompted widespread outrage in Uganda, with many people expressing their anger on X. Some also criticised what they viewed as the authorities’ failure to deal effectively with crime in Kampala.

The East African country’s capital has experienced high levels of crime, and Owori’s death has renewed concerns about public safety.

His death comes only weeks after another prominent Ugandan sports figure died following an assault in Kampala. Rugby player Sydney Gongodyo was killed in June after being attacked by a mob, according to police.

Gongodyo was apparently mistaken for a thief, police said.

The state-run National Council of Sports Uganda said the country’s sporting community had suffered several tragedies recently and called for accountability.

“Sadly Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution,” it said.

Deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa also urged the authorities to respond to broader security concerns across the country. His comments were contained in a statement published on the Ugandan parliament’s website.

Owori was a leading figure at SC Villa and captained the club before representing Uganda internationally. His death has left the country mourning a player who was regarded as both a team leader and an inspiration to younger generations.

Police have said the attackers were unidentified. Owori’s death has also intensified public demands for justice and for a lasting response to the security problems affecting Kampala.

Reuters