KAMPALA, Uganda — Police investigating the killing of SC Villa captain David Owori have arrested two suspects after tracing an iPhone 14 Pro Max that investigators say was stolen from the footballer.
The Uganda Police Force identified the two as Munyaneza Bashir, also known as “Jemo”, whom police describe as a suspected dealer in stolen mobile phones, and his associate Magoba Samuel.
Police have not said that either man has been convicted or conclusively identified as one of Owori’s attackers. Their arrests form part of an ongoing investigation into the footballer’s death and the possible network through which stolen electronic devices are handled.
Stolen phone provides investigative lead
According to a police update issued on 8 August, investigators established that Owori had been robbed of an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Police said tracking the device led officers to Munyaneza and Magoba, opening a wider line of inquiry into suspected stolen mobile phones.
The development represents one of the most significant publicly confirmed leads since investigations began into the death of the SC Villa captain.
Four bags of suspected stolen devices recovered
During the investigation, police recovered four bags containing a large number of electronic devices suspected to have been stolen.
The exhibits included 80 iPhones, 40 Samsung phones, eight Redmi phones, two Tecno phones, two Infinix phones, two Vivo phones and three button phones.
Police also recovered four phone motherboards, three iPads and SIM cards associated with MTN, Safaricom, Airtel and Lyca.
Other recovered property included women’s bags containing identification documents, phone covers and hard drives.
Police seek wider network
Investigators are now working to establish the full network potentially connected to the recovered property and to link individual devices and other exhibits to previously reported cases.
The scale of the recovery also places renewed attention on the illicit market for stolen mobile phones in Kampala, where police have carried out several operations targeting suspected handlers and dealers in recent months.
The Uganda Police Force has previously reported recovering hundreds of suspected stolen electronic devices during operations in Kampala, including raids targeting suspected phone-trafficking networks.
Owori’s death sparked national outrage
Owori, captain of one of Uganda’s most prominent football clubs, died after suffering serious injuries in an attack in Kampala earlier in August.
His death triggered widespread mourning within Ugandan football and renewed public concern over violent crime and personal safety in the capital.
SC Villa, football supporters, sports authorities and public officials have been among those calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Police say investigations remain ongoing. Any suspects eventually accused in connection with Owori’s killing are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until a competent court determines otherwise.
