David Owori, captain of Uganda Premier League giants SC Villa, has died at the age of 27 after he was attacked and fatally assaulted by suspected robbers near his home in Kampala.
Police said the footballer was attacked after resisting an attempt by the assailants to steal his mobile phone and other personal belongings. Witnesses reported that the attackers struck him with paving stones before fleeing the scene.
Owori was rushed to a medical facility after suffering severe injuries but later died on Wednesday.
The defender and midfielder, popularly known as Colgate, was a key figure for SC Villa and also represented Uganda’s national team, the Cranes.
SC Villa described his death as a major loss, saying the club had lost not only a player but also a leader, brother, and friend.
Tributes have poured in from football fans, teammates, politicians, and sports authorities, with calls for justice and stronger action against violent crime in Uganda.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations praised Owori as a leader both on and off the pitch, while Uganda’s Parliament observed a minute’s silence in his honour.
Owori helped SC Villa secure their 17th league title in 2024, ending a 20-year wait for the club, and had a contract with the team until January 2027.
