Ugandan football star David Orie was killed at the age of 27 after being attacked by a gang near his home in the capital, Kampala
Police stated that Ori was assaulted and killed after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the attackers beat him with "pavement stones" before looting his belongings.
Passersby rushed Ori to a nearby medical clinic, before he was later transferred to a private hospital in the Ugandan capital, but he died from his severe injuries on Wednesday.
This tragedy sparked a massive wave of grief and public anger over the rampant violent crime in Uganda.
SC Villa, the club for which Ori played, issued a moving statement mourning their late captain.
The statement read: "Villa Sports Club calls on the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the tragic death of club captain, David Ory."
The statement added: "We demand that the security services pursue the perpetrators, arrest them, and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to swift justice."
The club described Ori's departure as a "great loss," noting that Uganda had lost not only a talented footballer, but also an exceptional leader and role model.
For its part, the Ugandan Football Federation mourned Ori, describing him as a "true and honest leader both on and off the pitch."
It is worth mentioning that Ori contributed greatly to his club SC Villa winning the Ugandan league title for the (2023/2024) season, which is the seventeenth title in the club’s history, breaking the record. He also led the team as captain to win the “Fufa Super 8” Cup last season.
