By our reporter 6.8.2026
Ugandans have been outraged by the killing of one of their best-known footballer David Owori who was beaten to death by street gangs.
Owori a right-back who also played in midfield is a member of the Ugandan national team and captain of Sports Club (SC) Villa in the Ugandan league.
According to Ugandan police Owori was attacked by the street gangs near his home in Kampala and wanted to take his phone and personal belongings, but he resisted and the gang attacked him with pavement stones before fleeing the scene with his belongings.
SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye said: “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.”
Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were pursuing leads to identify those responsible.
“The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved,” Kawala added.
Owori’s murder has sent shockwaves across Uganda, with the football community, including fans and teammates, and politicians demanding justice.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) described Owori as “a true leader on and off the pitch”.
“David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation,” it said in a statement.
The killing comes just weeks after the death of another Ugandan sports star – rugby international Sydney Gongodyo – who was also fatally attacked by a mob in Kampala.
David Owori...another needless death.