Uganda national team player and SC Villa captain David Owori has died aged 28 after being beaten during a robbery in Kampala, police confirmed. The player was one of the leading figures in Ugandan football and captained SC Villa, one of the country's most traditional clubs.
Criminals attacked Owori last Tuesday in a neighborhood of the capital. Passersby found him unconscious and took him to a regional hospital, according to police. He was subsequently transferred to another health facility, where he died from his injuries.
In a statement, the Federation of Football of Uganda expressed grief over the player's death and highlighted his importance on and off the pitch. The federation said Owori was not only a footballer but a leader and an inspiration for a generation, adding that as captain of SC Villa he led with courage, humility, and passion, and carried the hopes of a nation when playing for Uganda.
Growing concerns over violence
Owori's death generated strong reactions among supporters and authorities. On social media, many Ugandans criticized the rising violence in Kampala and demanded a more effective response from security forces. The vice-president of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, also called for measures to address the security issues affecting the country.
The National Sports Council of Uganda called for justice and described the recent sequence of cases involving athletes as a cause for concern. The incident occurred little more than a month after another tragedy involving an athlete, following the death in June of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, who died after being beaten by a mob that mistook him for a thief, according to police.
