The Ugandan football community is in mourning following the death of David Owori, captain of Sports Club Villa and a national team player, who was fatally injured during a robbery in the capital, Kampala, on Tuesday night.

Owori, 27, was attacked after he attempted to resist robbers who were trying to steal his mobile phone and other possessions. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting concerns about safety and crime.

According to police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, Owori was discovered unconscious by passersby, who transported him to a local hospital. He was subsequently moved to another facility where he was later pronounced dead. Witnesses reported that the attackers struck the footballer with paving stones before absconding with his belongings, leaving him incapacitated.

Owori, a versatile player who featured as a right-back and midfielder, was instrumental in SC Villa's record 17th Uganda Premier League title win in 2024. His career began in 2016 with Vipers Sports Club, and he also had playing spells in Europe with Vélez CF in Spain and Utsiktens BK in Sweden. He represented Uganda in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

SC Villa released a statement expressing their "profound sorrow" over the "untimely passing" of their captain, offering condolences to his family. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations lauded Owori as "both a leader and an inspiration to a generation," praising his courage, humility, and passion on and off the pitch.

The Federation further stated, "In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation. We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten."

In recognition of his contributions and the tragic circumstances of his death, the Ugandan parliament observed a minute of silence in Owori's honor on Wednesday. This incident follows another tragedy in June, where Ugandan rugby international Sydney Gongodyo died after being attacked by a mob in Kampala, reportedly mistaken for someone else.

The circumstances surrounding Owori's death underscore a troubling rise in violent crime in Kampala. While police are investigating the incident and searching for the perpetrators, the loss of a prominent athlete has amplified calls for increased security and measures to combat such attacks.