RismadarVoice Reporters, August 6, 2026
Uganda international and SC Villa captain David Owori has died after being assaulted in the country’s capital, Kampala, police have confirmed.
Owori, 28, sustained critical injuries after he was attacked by unidentified assailants in a Kampala suburb on Tuesday, according to police spokesperson Racheal Kawala.
Authorities said passers-by found the footballer unconscious and rushed him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another medical facility, where he was pronounced dead.
The death of the national team defender has sparked widespread grief across Uganda’s football community and renewed concerns over rising crime in the East African nation.
In a statement, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) described Owori as an exceptional leader whose influence extended beyond the football pitch.
“David was not just a footballer. He was a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion, while representing Uganda with pride whenever he wore the national team jersey,” the federation said.
The incident has also triggered public outrage, with many Ugandans taking to social media to demand stronger action against violent crime in Kampala and other parts of the country.
Owori’s death comes only weeks after another prominent Ugandan athlete, rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, died following an assault by a mob in Kampala after he was reportedly mistaken for a thief.
Reacting to the latest tragedy, Uganda’s National Council of Sports described the recent spate of attacks on athletes as deeply disturbing and called for justice and lasting measures to improve public safety.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa also urged security agencies to address the country’s growing security challenges, stressing the need for stronger efforts to protect lives and combat violent crime.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding Owori’s death are ongoing, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
