KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s football community is mourning the deaths of SC Villa captain David Owori and Masaza Cup forward Rogers Ssebyondya, who died in separate incidents within hours of each other.
Owori, the captain of record Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa, died on Tuesday night after he was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants while returning home in Makindye Division, a Kampala suburb.
According to sources at the club, the 28-year-old defender was assaulted near his residence at around 8:00 p.m. A group of attackers reportedly struck him with paving stones before robbing him of his belongings and fleeing, leaving him unconscious by the roadside.
Residents rushed him to a nearby medical facility before he was transferred to Case Clinic in Kampala, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the incident, saying detectives have launched investigations and are pursuing the attackers.
“We are currently hunting for the assailants and investigations have started. We are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the attack and what they could have taken from him. We shall provide further details on his death,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police said inquiries are ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack while a manhunt for the suspects continues.
In a statement, SC Villa described Owori as a respected leader whose death represents a major loss to both the club and Ugandan football.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our captain, David Owori, who was attacked and killed. He was a valuable player, a respected leader and a committed servant of the game. We commiserate with David’s family, teammates, friends, supporters and the entire football fraternity during this painful moment,” the club said.
The club also called on security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
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“We call upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently pursue, apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This senseless act has robbed the club and the country of a committed captain and a promising sportsman, and it must not go unanswered.”
Owori captained SC Villa during the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season and was widely regarded as one of the club’s most influential senior players, both on and off the pitch.
Masaza Cup player Rogers Ssebyondya dies after collision
In a separate tragedy, the football fraternity is also mourning Bulemezi County forward Rogers Ssebyondya, who died after sustaining severe injuries during a Masaza Cup match against Kyagwe County.
According to Bulemezi official Emma Mugere, Ssebyondya collided mid-air with Kyagwe goalkeeper Pickford Mukisa while contesting for the ball before landing awkwardly.
The forward was initially taken to Kasana Hospital before doctors referred him to Mulago National Referral Hospital as his condition deteriorated.
However, he died before undergoing surgery.
The deaths of Owori and Ssebyondya have triggered an outpouring of grief from clubs, players, supporters and football administrators, with many paying tribute to two athletes whose lives ended in tragic circumstances.
Owori’s death has also renewed concerns over violent crime targeting members of the public in Kampala, while Ssebyondya’s passing has reignited discussions about emergency medical preparedness and player safety during domestic football competitions.
