Ugandans are mourning the death at 27 of one of the country's best-known footballers after he was beaten by suspected robbers near his home in the capital, Kampala. Police said David Owori was fatally assaulted after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, prompting an outpouring of grief and renewed public anger over violent crime in Uganda.

Owori captained SC Villa, the Uganda Premier League record champions, where he played both as a right-back and midfielder. He also represented the country's national team - the Cranes. "We have lost more than a player - we have lost a leader, brother and friend," SC Villa said in a statement. Witnesses said a group of attackers hit the footballer with paving stones on Tuesday night before robbing Owori of his belongings and fleeing, leaving him unconscious.

Owori was rushed to a nearby medical clinic and then transferred to a private facility in the city, but he died of his injuries on Wednesday. Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were pursuing leads to identify those responsible. Owori's murder has sent shockwaves across Uganda, with the football community, including fans and teammates, and politicians demanding justice. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) described Owori as "a true leader on and off the pitch."

The versatile player, renowned for his tactical discipline, returned to SC Villa in 2023 for a second spell, becoming one of the club's longest-serving players. He helped lead the high-profile team to their first league title in 20 years securing a record 17th top-flight crown in 2024. His death has triggered anger on social media, with many Ugandans questioning the level of violent crime in Kampala and calling for tougher action against criminals. The killing comes just weeks after the death of another Ugandan sports star - rugby international Sydney Gongodyo - who was also fatally attacked by a mob in Kampala.