International footballer, 27, ambushed and beaten to death | Football | Sport

Ugandan footballer David Owori died after being ‘struck with paving stones’ in a brutal attack on Wednesday. The 27-year-old was ambushed and beaten in a savage assault that left him unconscious.

According to police, Owori resisted an attempt to rob him of his belongings, with witnesses reportedly seeing the assailants strike the Sports Club Villa captain with paving stones. An SC Villa spokesperson confirmed that Owori was set upon just outside his home in Makindye, a suburb of the Ugandan capital Kampala. Owori was rushed to a local medical clinic before being transferred to a private facility in the city. He died of his injuries on Wednesday.

The midfielder’s club issued a heartfelt tribute following the death of their captain. “Our hearts are broken,” it read.

“SC Villa mourns the tragic passing of our beloved captain, David Owori, following a brutal attack. We have lost more than a player-we have lost a leader, brother and friend. Our deepest prayers are with his family. Rest well, Captain.”

Uganda’s football association also offered their condolences to those who knew Owori, who represented his country during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. They described him as a ‘leader and a star’.

“The Federation of Uganda Football Associations mourns the untimely passing of Owori David, Captain of SC Villa and Uganda Cranes player,” a statement read. “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation.

“On behalf of the FUFA Executive Committee, Delegates, Members, Secretariat Staff and the entire football fraternity, we extend our deepest condolences to SC Villa, his family, teammates, coaches and all Ugandans on the loss of Owori.

“We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.

“We pray that the Almighty grants Owori David eternal rest and gives his family and SC Villa the strength to bear this great loss during these trying times. Rest in peace, Captain.”

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Uganda’s parliament observed a minute’s silence for Owori on Wednesday. Ugandan MP Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa has called for action to prevent similar attacks in the future.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of David Owori, (SC Villa Captain ) following a reported violent attack,” he said on X. “As Shadow Minister of Sports, I strongly condemn all forms of violence that rob our country of its young talent.

“The safety and security of our athletes must be a national priority. I call upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into his death, ensure justice, and take meaningful steps to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”

The midfielder guided SC Villa to their first league championship in two decades in 2024 after rejoining the club for a second stint in 2023. Earlier chapters of his career included periods at Proline FC, Spanish outfit Velez CF and Swedish side Utiskitens BK, alongside SC Villa.