The late David Owori
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I After fighting for dear life for hours, Sports Club Villa captain David Owori died on Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, at Case Clinic in Kampala after succumbing to severe head injuries sustained during a brutal attack by suspected thugs in Makindye Division.
The 27-year-old defender, who had become one of the Uganda Premier League’s most respected leaders, was ambushed on Tuesday evening at around 8:30 p.m. near Kibuli Primary School along the Nalinya–Mpologoma Road while returning home from the club’s training session.
According to reports, Owori had also spent part of the day celebrating his son’s third birthday before the attack.
Police said unidentified assailants struck him on the head with a heavy concrete paving stone, leaving him unconscious in a pool of blood before robbing him of his iPhone, cash and other personal belongings.
Passers-by, together with his close friend and former teammate Nicholas Kabonge, found the footballer shortly after the attack. Although badly injured, he was reportedly still conscious when he was rushed to Sir Albert Cook Hospital before doctors referred him to the Intensive Care Unit at Case Clinic in Nakasero as his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Despite frantic efforts by medical specialists to save his life, Owori died at around midday on Wednesday from severe head trauma.
His death sent shockwaves across Uganda’s football fraternity, with teammates, fans, administrators and fellow players mourning the loss of one of the country’s most dependable defenders.
Earlier on Wednesday, SC Villa had appealed to supporters to pray for their captain after confirming he had been critically injured. Initial reports had suggested he had been involved in a boda boda accident, but club spokesperson Asan Kasingye later clarified that Owori had instead fallen victim to a violent criminal attack near his home.
The tragedy was also raised on the floor of Parliament as a matter of national importance. Legislators observed a moment of silence in honour of the fallen footballer before demanding that the Ministry of Internal Affairs urgently address the growing wave of violent “Egaali” and iron-bar criminal gangs that have been terrorising residents across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The Uganda Police Force, through Katwe Division, has since processed the crime scene and launched investigations to identify and arrest the attackers responsible for the killing.
Owori leaves behind a remarkable football legacy despite his life being cut short.
Widely admired for his discipline, versatility and leadership, he played a pivotal role in SC Villa’s resurgence, helping the Jogoos win the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title—ending a 20-year wait for league glory while securing the club’s record-extending 17th championship.
Capable of playing as a right-back, central midfielder or in advanced wide positions, Owori became one of Villa’s longest-serving players and a respected dressing-room leader whose commitment earned him the captain’s armband.
His importance to the club was underlined earlier this year when he extended his contract until January 2027 and began preparations to lead Villa in the upcoming FUFA Super 8 tournament.
Born on September 23, 1998, in Tororo, Owori began his football journey at Nsambya Young Stars Academy before progressing through Wembley Soccer Academy and Lukuli United.
He later featured for Vipers SC between 2016 and 2018 before joining SC Villa for his first spell. His career also included stints with Spanish side Vélez CF and Swedish club Utsiktens BK before he returned to Villa in February 2023.
Since his return, Owori established himself as one of the club’s most influential players, contributing goals, assists and mentorship to younger teammates. His performances also earned him recognition at national level, including involvement with Uganda’s youth national teams and consideration for the senior Uganda Cranes squad.
As investigations continue, Owori’s death has renewed calls for stronger action against violent street crime, with many Ugandans demanding justice for a player whose promising career ended in a senseless act of violence.
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