SC Villa captain and Uganda national team player David Owori has died at the age of 27 following a brutal assault in Kampala.

According to police reports, a group of assailants tried to snatch the player’s phone and other personal items near his home, but the footballer fought back.

The attackers viciously beat Owori, even using paving stones. Passersby found the footballer unconscious and rushed him to hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life.

Owori was a standout figure in Ugandan football, captaining SC Villa. He previously played for Vipers and also had stints abroad in Spain and Sweden.

Upon returning to Uganda, the midfielder helped SC Villa claim a record 17th national championship in 2024.

The Ugandan Football Federation and Owori’s club have already offered their condolences in the wake of the tragedy, while the country’s parliament honored Owori with a minute of silence.