David Owori killed in suspected Kampala robbery

Uganda paid tribute on Thursday to SC Villa captain David Owori, a 27-year-old footballer who died after a suspected robbery in Kampala.

SC Villa said Owori was the victim of a "brutal assault by unknown individuals" near his home on Tuesday and died in hospital the following day.

Hundreds of people attended St Peter's Catholic Church Nsambya in Kampala as his casket arrived escorted by fellow players.

Owori, popularly known as "Colgate", played for SC Villa as a right-back and midfielder and captained the team.

SC Villa urged authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. Uganda's national squad, the Uganda Cranes, said in an X post that the country had lost "a son, a leader and a star".

His death prompted an outcry over violent crime in the capital. Politicians held a moment of silence in parliament, and the deputy speaker and sports minister demanded a statement from the internal affairs ministry.