Sports Club Villa captain David Owori has succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack by suspected thugs, the club has confirmed.
Owori had been admitted at Case Clinic, where he was receiving treatment after reportedly being assaulted by unknown individuals before his condition deteriorated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SC Villa announced the death of their skipper, describing it as a painful loss to the club, his family and the wider football community.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
"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.
"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, Captain."
The death came shortly after SC Villa president Omar Ahmed confirmed that Owori had been admitted to hospital in critical condition following the suspected assault.
"SC Villa Football Club is deeply saddened to inform its supporters, the football community, and the general public that the Club's Captain, David Owori, is suspected to have been attacked and assaulted by unknown individuals last night," Ahmed said.
"David is currently hospitalized, in critical condition, and receiving urgent medical care. The Club and his family are doing everything possible to ensure that he overcomes this incident."
Ahmed said police had been notified and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack were underway.
"The police authorities have been informed, and investigations are underway. We ask everyone to keep David in their thoughts and prayers and to respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time," he added.
Owori, 27, last featured for SC Villa on August 1 during the FUFA Super 8 tournament at Hamz Stadium, where he captained the side in their 1-1 draw against Maroons.
The versatile midfielder played a key role in SC Villa's revival, helping the club win the Uganda Premier League title in the 2023/24 season, their first league triumph in 20 years.
Known for his ability to operate both in midfield and defence, Owori became one of the most dependable players at SC Villa after joining the club in 2018.
He began his football journey at Nsambya Young Stars Academy before progressing through Wembley Soccer Academy and Lukuli United, a Kampala-based regional club.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Owori joined Vipers SC in 2016, featuring for both the youth and senior teams before moving to SC Villa two years later.
In 2021, he ventured abroad, signing for Spanish side Vélez CF before joining Sweden's Utsiktens BK in 2022, where he made an appearance in the Superettan league.
He returned to SC Villa in February 2023 and extended his contract with the club in February 2025, keeping him at Villa Park until January 2027.
His death comes barely two months after Uganda rugby player Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi was killed in a mob attack in Bukoto, Kampala, after he was allegedly mistaken for a thief.
The two incidents have renewed concerns over the rising cases of mob violence and attacks on innocent people in Uganda.
