David Owori, the 27‑year‑old captain of SC Villa, was killed on the night of August 14 after a group of assailants attempted to snatch his mobile phone outside his home in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala. He was struck on the head with paving stones, left unconscious and later died from his injuries.
Investigation underway
Police in Kampala have opened a murder investigation, promising to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attack has shocked the local community and raised concerns about rising violent thefts targeting public figures.
Owori, affectionately known as ‘Colgate’ among teammates and fans, had risen through the ranks of Ugandan football, enjoying brief spells in Spain with Vélez CF in Málaga and in Sweden with Utsiktens BK before returning home in 2023. That same year he played a pivotal role in ending a two‑decade league drought for SC Villa, securing the club’s first championship in 20 years.
Tributes pour in
SC Villa issued a statement describing the attack as a ‘heinous crime’ and announced that Owori’s number 15 shirt would be retired in his memory. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations added that he was ‘a leader and an inspiration to a generation of players,’ reflecting on his contributions both on and off the pitch.
A vigil is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, after which Owori will be buried in his hometown of Tororo. The tragedy echoes the recent death of Uganda rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, who was also killed in a similar assault in Kampala on June 5. Authorities say the two cases are being treated as part of a disturbing pattern of violent thefts targeting athletes.