Tragedy as SC Villa captain David Owori killed in suspected thug attack

SC Villa have confirmed the death of their captain David Owori after the experienced defender succumbed to injuries sustained during a suspected thug attack on Tuesday night, sending Uganda's football fraternity into mourning and raising fresh concerns over violent crime in the Kampala Metropolitan area.

The 28-year-old right-back was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants while returning home in Makindye 2, Dubai zone, from training.

According to Villa, Owori later died at Case Hospital on Wednesday afternoon while receiving treatment from the injuries he suffered in the assault.

Owori (right) before a match

“SC Villa is devastated to confirm the death of its club captain David Owori following the brutal attack by unknown individuals,” the club said in a statement.

“The club commiserates with David's family, teammates, friends, supporters and the entire football fraternity during this painful moment. David was a valuable player, leader and servant of the game whose loss is deeply felt by both the club and the nation.”

Owori (with armband) in action for SC Villa

The record 17-time Uganda Premier League (UPL) champions also pledged to support Owori's family and ensure he is accorded a dignified send-off while calling on security agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible.

“We also call upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently pursue, apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This senseless act has robbed the club and the country of a committed captain, and it must not go unanswered,” the statement added.

According to reports, the attackers robbed Owori of his iPhone, cash and other personal belongings before leaving him critically injured.

Owori (left) in action

Earlier that day, he had trained normally with his teammates and left in good spirits, looking forward to celebrating his son's third birthday with his family.

Just six days before his death, Owori captained the Jogoos in a 1-1 draw against Maroons FC in the first leg of the FUFA Super 8 quarter-finals at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo, completing the full 90 minutes.

He had been preparing to lead Villa again in Friday's return leg as the defending champions chased a place in the semi-finals.

Owori first joined Villa in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the club's most dependable players. After spells with Velez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden, he returned to Villa in 2023 and remained one of the club's most loyal servants.

Owori speaking at a press conference

He played a key role in helping SC Villa win their long-awaited 17th Uganda Premier League title in 2024, ending a 20-year wait for the championship.

His death comes barely two months after Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo died following an assault in Ntinda, adding to growing concern over violent attacks by criminal gangs, commonly known as “Egaali”, across Kampala Metropolitan.

By the time of publication, the Uganda Police Force had not issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding Owori's death.