Ugandan football has been thrown into mourning after Sports Club Villa confirmed the death of its captain, David Owori, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal attack by unknown assailants.
The record Ugandan champions announced Owori’s death on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, ending hours of anxious waiting after earlier revealing that the defender had been admitted to Case Clinic in critical condition.
In a statement issued by the club, SC Villa described the loss as devastating and paid tribute to a player it said had served both the club and Ugandan football with distinction.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our captain, David Owori, who had been receiving treatment at Case Clinic following an attack by suspected thugs.”
The club said its thoughts and prayers are with Owori’s family as they come to terms with the tragic loss.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family.”
SC Villa hailed Owori as a dedicated leader whose contribution on and off the pitch had earned him admiration from teammates, supporters and the wider football fraternity.
“David was a valuable player, leader, and servant of the game whose loss is deeply felt by both the Club and the nation.”
The club also pledged to stand by Owori’s family during the mourning period and ensure that he receives a befitting send-off.
“SC Villa undertakes to stand with the family and to ensure that David is accorded a decent and dignified send-off.”
At the same time, the club appealed to security agencies to move swiftly and bring those responsible for the fatal attack to justice.
“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.”
Describing the killing as a senseless act, SC Villa said the attack had robbed both the club and Uganda of a committed captain whose football career still held great promise.
“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 circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of the suspects had not been officially disclosed by the time of publication.
Owori’s death is expected to send shockwaves across Ugandan football, with tributes likely to pour in from clubs, players, administrators and supporters in the coming hours.
