A Ugandan soccer captain has died after a suspected robbery near his home in the country's capital.
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David Owori, 27, was brutally attacked in Kampala on Tuesday night before dying from his injuries the following day.
His death comes amid growing public concern over violent crime in Uganda.
Owori was one of the country's prominent soccer players and captained Sports Club Villa, the most successful club in Uganda Premier League history.
He played as both a right-back and midfielder and had also represented Uganda internationally.
Soccer Player Killed in Suspected Robbery
In a statement following Owori's death, SC Villa said, "We have lost more than a player - we have lost a leader, brother and friend."
Club spokesperson Asan Kasingye told journalists that attackers targeted the 27-year-old outside his home in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala.
"The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to the medical facility," he said.
According to local reports, witnesses claimed that a group of attackers struck Owori with paving stones before stealing his belongings and fleeing the scene.
The attack reportedly left Owori unconscious. Emergency responders initially took him to a nearby medical clinic before transferring him to a private facility elsewhere in the city.
He died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Police have launched an investigation and are working to identify and locate those responsible for the attack.
"The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved," spokesperson Rachael Kawala said.
Tributes Pour In for SC Villa Captain
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) described Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch".
They said that he was "not just a footballer" but "a leader and an inspiration to a generation".
Fans, teammates and politicians have since called for justice. The killing has sparked further discussion surrounding violent crime in Kampala.
Just weeks earlier, rugby international Sydney Gongodyo also died following a fatal mob attack in the city.
Owori returned to SC Villa for a second spell in 2023. This was after spending two years playing in Europe, including spells in Spain and Sweden.
He helped Villa win its first league championship in 20 years in 2024, securing the club's record-extending 17th Ugandan top-flight title.
In February 2025, Owori extended his contract through January 2027.
He had also represented Uganda during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. He remained in contention for future international call-ups.
