David Owori, captain of one of Uganda's biggest football clubs and an international player, has died after an assault in the capital Kampala, police said.

The 28-year-old, who captained record-breaking champions SC Villa, was critically injured by unidentified assailants in a suburb of Kampala on Tuesday, according to police spokesperson Racheal Kawala.

Owori was found unconscious by passers-by, who took him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another hospital where he was pronounced dead, Kawala said.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations paid tribute, saying: "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."

The incident has sparked outrage among Ugandans, many of whom took to social media to express anger over the rampant crime in the capital and what they perceive as the authorities' failure to address it.

Owori's death comes just weeks after the killing of rugby international Sydney Gongodyo, who was assaulted by a mob in Kampala in June after being mistaken for a thief.

The state-run National Council of Sports Uganda lamented: "Sadly, Ugandan sport has been hit with many such tragedies lately, and we hope for justice and a lasting solution."

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa urged authorities to address the wider security challenges in the country, according to a statement on parliament's website.

Owori had led SC Villa to their first Uganda league title in 20 years last season, lifting the trophy as captain. It was their record-extending 17th league crown.

Source: www.aljazeera.com