The 27‑year‑old Ugandan football star and long‑time captain of SC Villa, David Owori, was killed after a harrowing attack outside his home in Kampala’s Makindye suburb.
Police said Owori had resisted an attempted robbery when a group of attackers struck him with paving stones. The blow left him unconscious and he was rushed to a clinic before being transferred to a private hospital – where he later died of his injuries.
SC Villa released a heartfelt statement, declaring that “we have lost a player, a leader, a brother and a friend.” Owori was widely known on the field as “Colgate,” and it was his versatility in defense and midfield that helped the club clinch its 17th league title in 2024. He also earned caps for the national side, the Cranes, during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The attack has reignited public anger over violent crime in Kampala. Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala pledged to preserve evidence and track suspects, while Parliament observed a minute of silence in Owori’s honour, demanding a swift investigation.
The tragic death follows that of rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, who was similarly attacked by a mob in Kampala weeks earlier, underscoring the precarious safety of Ugandan athletes.
The football community, fans, teammates and politicians are calling for justice and a decisive crackdown on gang violence. Owori’s legacy on and off the pitch will be cherished by all who faced him on the field.
