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 Sports Club (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.

SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye told journalists that Owori was targeted just outside his home in Makindye, a Kampala suburb.

“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,” Kasingye said.

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.

“The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved,” Kawala added.

Owori’s murder has sent shockwaves across Uganda, with the football community, including fans and teammates, and politicians demanding justice.

Tributes are continuing to pour in for the defender, who was popularly known as Colgate.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) described Owori as “a true leader on and off the pitch”.

“David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation,” it said in a statement.

The national side, the Cranes, said the team had lost a football star who “carried the hopes” of Uganda.

Parliament on Wednesday observed a minute’s silence in honour of Owori and called for a quick investigation.

The versatile player, renowned for his tactical discipline and ability to feature across midfield, returned to SC Villa in 2023 – after two years in Spain 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 influence on and off the pitch earned him a contract extension until January 2027 with the team.

Owori also featured in the national team during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and was regarded as a strong contender for future call-ups to the Cranes.

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.