Police have arrested 17 suspects in connection with the killing of David Owori, a former captain and key defender of SC Villa, who was attacked and robbed in Kampala last week.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said the suspects include three alleged promoters of stolen mobile phones, five key suspects and nine associates.
SP Kawala said preliminary investigations indicate the key suspects were part of a gang that had been attacking members of the public using paving blocks, commonly known as pavers.
‘The key suspects disclosed that the group had been conducting attacks on members of the community, allegedly using paving blocks, and identified several of their accomplices,’ SP Kawala said.
During interrogation, she said, the suspects named several alleged accomplices, leading to further arrests.
According to police, on the night of August 5, the gang allegedly moved through Nsambya, Nabisaalu, Kirombe and Makindye areas, attacking unsuspecting members of the public. Owori was attacked at about 8:30pm.
He was rushed to Case Hospital after sustaining serious injuries but later died. The attackers reportedly took his two mobile phones – a basic handset and an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
‘We are continuing with efforts to trace, arrest and bring to justice the remaining suspects and other associates linked to the group as investigations into the matter continue,’ SP Kawala said.
Football fraternity mourns
Owori was a prominent figure in Ugandan football, having served as captain and key defender of SC Villa, one of the country’s most successful clubs. He was also part of the Uganda Cranes setup and was summoned to the national team squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign. The defender was widely regarded as a player with the potential to earn more senior international appearances.
His death has sent shockwaves through the football fraternity and renewed concerns over violent street robberies in Kampala and surrounding areas. Owori was buried in Tororo District on Saturday.
Security concerns
The arrests have provided a major breakthrough in a case that has raised fresh concerns about violent street crime in the capital, particularly attacks involving gangs and motorcycle-riding assailants.
Residents in the affected areas said similar incidents had been reported previously and called for increased police patrols and improved street lighting. The killing has also intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect residents, particularly at night.
While addressing the National Resistance Movement Parliamentary Caucus at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Friday, President Museveni called for strengthened security measures and directed investigations into whether some attacks could be linked to corruption or negligence by police officers failing to perform their duties.
Police said investigations into Owori’s killing and the recovered exhibits are continuing as detectives work to establish the full network behind the attacks. Investigators are also examining whether the suspects could be linked to other robbery incidents reported in Kampala and its suburbs.