Ugandan soccer star David Owori, 27, was beaten to death by suspected robbers Tuesday near his home in the country’s capital, Kampala, and he died the next day, according to the BBC.
Owori — who captained Sports Club (SC) Villa, the Uganda Premier League record champions, and represented the Ugandan national team — was fatally assaulted after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, police said.
Witnesses said a group of attackers hit Owari with paving stones before robbing him and fleeing the area as he was unconscious.
SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said Owori “was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home” in Makindye, a Kampala suburb.
Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were pursuing leads to identify the indivduals involved.
In a statement, SC Villa urged authorities “to deliver justice and ensure that those responsible are held accountable” for the senseless act of violence.
“We call upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently pursue, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” the statement read.
“This senseless act has robbed the Club and the country of a committed captain and a promising sportsman, and it must not go unanswered.
“David was a valuable player, leader, and servant of the game whose loss is deeply felt by both the Club and the nation. The Club undertakes to stand with the family and to ensure that David is accorded a decent and dignified send-off.”
Owori trained with his teammates earlier Tuesday before the incident occurred, according to local newspaper, New Vision.
The team was preparing for Friday’s FUFA Super 8 semifinals match after SC Villa’s quarterfinals draw against Maroons FC.
Mourning Ugandans, teammates, coaches, and fans gathered at a local church on Thursday, according to photos and videos online.
Owori was a key piece in SC Villa’s Uganda Premier League title in 2024, the club’s record 17th championship in 20 years.
He also had stints with Vipers Sports Club in Uganda, Vélez CF in Spain, and Utsiktens BK in Sweden.
