A 27-year-old footballer, David Owori, has died after a brutal attack was aimed at him by some suspected armed men believed to be robbers in Uganda.
Owori, who played for the country’s league side, SC Villa, was said to have resisted the attempt by the yet-to-be identified attackers to steal his mobile phones and other belongings, after which he was hit repeatedly with paving stones, leaving him with life threatening injuries after which he was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical officials.
Following the attack which happened on Tuesday at the deceased home in Makindye area of Kampala, he was found in gruesome pain by passers-by who rushed him to the hospital, as confirmed by Uganda’s police spokesperson, Rachael Kawala, who stated that the victim died on Thursday, adding that the police is carrying out an investigation to unravel the situations surrounding the incident and efforts on the way to track and arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a statement made available by SC Villa on Thursday, the club expressed profound grief, stating that it has lost more than a player, a leader, brother and friend.
In reaction, the Federation of Uganda Football Association, FUFA, noted that the victim wore the jersey of the country’s national team with distinction and carried the hopes of the nation.
“The Federation of Uganda Football Associations mourns the untimely passing of Owori David, Captain of SC Villa and Uganda Cranes player,” a statement from the country’s football ruling house reads.
“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.
“On behalf of the FUFA Executive Committee, Delegates, Members, Secretariat Staff and the entire football fraternity, we extend our deepest condolences to SC Villa, his family, teammates, coaches and all Ugandans on the loss of Owori.
Uganda’s parliament observed a minute’s silence for Owori on Wednesday, calling for an action to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The midfielder guided SC Villa to their first league championship in two decades in 2024 after rejoining the club for a second stint in 2023.
Earlier chapters of his career included periods at Proline FC, Spanish outfit Velez CF and Swedish side Utiskitens BK, alongside SC Villa.