SC Villa Jogoo has welcomed fresh progress in the investigation into the killing of its captain, David “Colgate” Owori, after the club revealed that police investigators have recovered the footballer’s stolen phone and arrested six alleged gang leaders in the area.
Owori, 27, died on Wednesday after sustaining serious injuries in an attack near his home in Kampala. Police said he was found unconscious by passers-by before being rushed to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking death of the SC Villa skipper sent waves of grief through Ugandan football, with the club, Uganda Cranes supporters and fellow players demanding justice for the popular defender and midfielder.
In a fresh statement, SC Villa praised the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) for what it described as “incredible work” in pursuing the case.
The club said the phone that was robbed from Owori during the attack has now been recovered, while leaders of six gangs operating in the area have been arrested.
However, SC Villa stressed that the arrests should not mark the end of the investigation.
The club wants investigators to establish who actually carried out the fatal attack and determine the motive behind Owori’s murder.
“We know there’s still more work to do especially in arresting the real killers & the motivation for his murder,” the club said.
SC Villa also expressed confidence in the renewed CID leadership and thanked the police for giving the case the attention it has received.
The development comes as investigations continue into an attack that has triggered widespread anger across Uganda. Reports indicate that Owori was assaulted after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings, with witnesses saying the attackers used paving stones during the assault.
Owori was more than just SC Villa’s captain. He was an established figure in Ugandan football and had represented Uganda at international level. He also played for Vipers SC and had spells abroad before returning to SC Villa, where he became an important figure in the club’s push for honours.
His death has renewed concerns over violent crime in Kampala, particularly following the recent death of another Ugandan sports personality, rugby player Sydney Gongodyo.
For SC Villa, however, the immediate focus remains justice for their fallen captain.
The recovery of Owori’s phone and the arrests represent a significant development in the investigation, but the club is now looking to police to go the final mile, identifying those responsible for the deadly assault and establishing exactly why the attack happened.
“Special thanks to the CID and Uganda Police for the attention you’ve given this case,” SC Villa said, reaffirming its trust in the renewed investigative leadership.