Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called for a thorough investigation into the killing of Uganda Cranes footballer David Owori, saying the incident highlights broader security concerns facing Ugandans.
Tayebwa made the call while presiding over the House sitting on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, following concerns raised by the Chief Opposition Whip, Hon. Paul Mwiru, over Owori’s death.
“This is fundamentally a security matter. We are seeing people being attacked by criminals wielding iron bars and other blunt objects,” Tayebwa said.
Owori, who also played for local football club SC Villa, was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants near Kibuye Primary School in Kampala on the evening of Tuesday, 04 August 2026.
He was rushed to Case Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During the parliamentary sitting, Mwiru asked the government to provide a statement on the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death and the measures being taken to address such incidents.
In response, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, conveyed the government’s condolences to Owori’s family and indicated that an official response would be provided after consultations.
Tayebwa subsequently directed the Executive to engage the Ministry of Internal Affairs and relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“The Minister of Internal Affairs should ensure thorough investigations are conducted, justice is delivered for the family, and Government reviews the broader security concerns affecting many Ugandans,” Tayebwa said.
The Deputy Speaker noted that while Owori’s death had attracted widespread attention because of his contribution to Ugandan football, many other Ugandans had reportedly lost their lives under similar circumstances without receiving the same level of public attention.
“David Owori is well known because of his contribution to sports, but there are many ordinary citizens losing their lives under similar circumstances whose names never reach this House,” he said.
Tayebwa urged the government to go beyond investigating Owori’s killing and examine the wider security situation, particularly incidents involving criminals targeting members of the public with blunt objects.
Parliament is now awaiting a formal government statement on the incident and the measures security agencies are taking to address the broader concerns raised by legislators.
