Police say 17 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the murder of SC Villa Captain David Owori as the manhunt intensifies. Over the weekend, police arrested Munyaneza Bashir alias ‘Jemo’, a suspected dealer in stolen phones, and his associate Magoba Samuel in Kampala after tracking Owori’s iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Under interrogation, the duo reportedly led the detectives to the sellers of the stolen phones. The search led to the confiscation of four bags of suspected stolen electronics from shops in Usafi, including 80 iPhones, one of which belonged to Owori.
Police had on Monday arrested four additional suspects connected to the murder and sale of the devices.
According to Crime Intelligence and Flying Squad, the suspects confessed that on the day of the murder, they moved as a gang across Nsambya, Nabisaalu, Kirombe, and Makindye, targeting victims for phones, bags and cash.
The suspects allegedly told the police that they have been targeting members of the community with paving blocks, shoes with sharp metal, and boxing gloves fitted with metal. Police said several accomplices remain at large.
Police also recovered more exhibits during searches conducted at the suspects’ homes in Gangu, Kasubi, since Monday. The items included two pairs of shoes, one with suspected bloodstains, and a pair of shin guards believed to have belonged to Owori.
“We are continuing efforts to trace, arrest, and bring to justice the remaining suspects and other associates linked to the group. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder are ongoing, and further updates will be provided,” Kawala said.
Owori David, 26, was a key defender and captain for SC Villa, one of Uganda’s most celebrated football clubs. He was attacked on Tuesday at around 8:00 pm while returning home from training along Nalinya-Mpologoma Road in Dubai Zone, Makindye, a Kampala suburb.
The attackers, who were riding on a motorcycle, reportedly struck him with paving stones and robbed him of an iPhone, another phone, and money before fleeing and leaving him unconscious in a drainage channel.
He was rushed to Sir Albert Cook Hospital for emergency treatment before being referred to Case Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday last week. The killing has renewed concerns about violent street robberies in Kampala and its suburbs, particularly attacks by assailants riding motorcycles.
Residents said similar incidents had previously been reported in the area and are calling for increased police patrols and improved street lighting-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
