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Uganda’s David Owori as a SC Villa player. Photo by SC Villa |
Uganda’s Sports Club (SC) Villa captain David Owori, 27, was the victim of a “brutal assault by unknown individuals” near his home on Tuesday, dying in hospital the following day, according to a club statement.
On Thursday, hundreds turned out to St Peter’s Catholic Church Nsambya in Kampala, many in tears as his casket — escorted by fellow players — arrived.
“He expects not us to be mourning and crying for his life, but to live up to the legacy that he left behind,” vice-captain Arnold Odong told the congregation.
His younger brother, Obin Owori, told AFP at the mass Owori had dedicated his life to football and had believed that the best was yet to come, adding, “it’s sad we shall not witness that future.”
Popularly known as ‘Colgate’, he had played for SC Villa as a right-back and midfielder, as well as captaining the team.
The country’s national squad, Uganda Cranes, said in an X post: “We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.”
In a statement, SC Villa urged authorities to investigate and “bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime”.
It added that “this senseless act has robbed the club and the country of a committed captain and a promising sportsman, and not go unanswered”.
His death has prompted an outcry over violent crime in the capital.
Politicians led a moment of silence in parliament, with the deputy speaker and the minister for sport also demanding a statement from the internal affairs ministry.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations expressed sorrow over Owori’s death, describing him as “not just a footballer”.
“He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation,” they said, adding: “His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten.”