Uganda international footballer David Owori, captain of SC Villa, has died after being assaulted by unidentified attackers in the capital, Kampala.

Axar.az reports, citing Daily Mirror, that Owori, 28, was critically injured in a suburb of Kampala on Tuesday.

According to police, passers-by found him unconscious and rushed him to a nearby hospital before he was transferred to another medical facility, where he was later pronounced dead.

Owori was regarded as one of Uganda's leading footballers. Capable of playing as both a defender and a midfielder, he played a key role in Villa SC's 2024 Ugandan league title, the club's first championship in 20 years.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) paid tribute to the late captain.

"David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation."

Owori's death has sparked widespread outrage, with many Ugandans calling for stronger action against violent crime in the capital.

The tragedy comes less than two months after rugby player Sydney Gongodyo died following an assault by a mob that reportedly mistook him for a thief.

The National Council of Sports Uganda also expressed concern.

"Sadly, Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution."

According to a statement published on Uganda's parliamentary website, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa urged authorities to address the country's broader security challenges.