Ugandan soccer star, 27, killed in 'brutal assault'

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYThu, August 6, 2026 at 5:15 PM UTC

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David Owori, one of Uganda's best-known soccer players, has been killed in a "senseless act of violence," according to his club, SC Villa.

Owori, 27, was the captain for SC Villa, the Uganda Premier League record champion, and represented the Uganda national team.

SC Villa said that Owori was the victim of a "brutal assault by unknown assailants" near his home on Monday, Aug. 3.

"Owori was attacked near his home in Makindye on Monday evening before being rushed to Case Clinic in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he sadly passed away," the club said in a statement.

Per the BBC, witnesses said that a group of attackers hit Owori with paving stones before robbing him of his belongings and fleeing.

SC Villa called on local authorities to respond to the killing of Owori, who was commonly known as Colgate.

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“We call upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently pursue, apprehend, and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime," the club said.

“This senseless act has robbed the club and the country of a committed captain and a promising sportsman, and it must not go unanswered.”

The club said that Owori's No. 15 jersey would be retired.

In a statement, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) described Owori as "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," the federation said.

Owori led SC Villa to the 2024 Uganda Premier League title, ending a 20-year drought for the club.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ugandan soccer star, 27, killed in 'brutal assault'

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