International footballer dies after ambush outside his home
An international footballer has died aged 27 after being ambushed by thugs and beaten. David Owori was rushed to a medical facility after being left unconscious from a brutal attack and died on Wednesday.
Police say the fatal assault saw Owori resist an attempt to steal his belongings, while witnesses reportedly saw attackers hit the Sports Club Villa captain with paving stones. An SC Villa spokesperson said that Owori was targeted just outside his home in Makindye, a Kampala suburb in Uganda.
"The player was ambushed by thugs as he approached his home, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rushed to the medical facility,"they said.
Owori's club posted a short tribute following their captain's passing.
"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 paid tribute to Owori, who wore national team colours during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. They said he 'carried the hopes of a naiton'.
"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. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pag "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."
Uganda's parliament held a minute of silence for Owori on Wednesday.
The midfielder helped SC VIlla to a first league title in 20 years in 2024 after joining the club for the second time in 2023. The earlier parts of his career saw spells as Proline FC, Spanish side Velez CF and Swedish team Utiskitens BK, in addition to SC Villa.
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