Tributes have been paid to Ugandan footballer David Owori, who died after being fatally assaulted by a street gang on Monday evening. Owori, who captained Premier League side SC Villa and played for the Ugandan national team, was attacked near his home in Makindye, Kampala.
Reports indicate assailants threw paving stones at him as he resisted a robbery attempt before stealing his belongings. He was taken to a clinic in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
SC Villa stated, “We have lost more than a player - we have lost a leader, brother and friend.” The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) also paid tribute, noting, “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation.”
Parliament held a minute’s silence in Owori’s honour on Wednesday and called for an investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed detectives are working to identify the assailants.
Owori helped SC Villa secure their 17th Premier League crown in 2024, their first in 20 years. He also played for the Cranes during their qualifying campaign for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.