KAMPALA — Police in Kampala have arrested 17 suspects in connection with the murder of David Owor, the captain of Sports Club Villa, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continue.

The suspects include three alleged dealers in stolen mobile phones, five key suspects and nine others believed to be associates of the main suspects.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Racheal Kawala, said preliminary investigations indicate that the group is allegedly linked to a series of attacks on members of the public, in which paving blocks, commonly known as pavers, were reportedly used.

According to police, the key suspects identified several other alleged accomplices during interrogation. The individuals are still at large.

Kawala said police investigations indicate that on the night of August 4, the suspects allegedly moved as a gang and attacked unsuspecting members of the public in areas including Nsambya, Nabisaalu, Kirombe and Makindye in Kampala District.

Police allege that the group later attacked Owor and robbed him of his mobile phone.

An iPhone 14 Pro Max, suspected to have belonged to the deceased, was subsequently recovered at Usafi Taxi Park, near Usafi Market in Kampala.

Police also conducted searches at the suspects’ residences in Gangu Village and Kasubi, where several items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered.

Among the exhibits recovered were two pairs of shoes, one of which reportedly had bloodstains and has been submitted for forensic examination to establish whether it is linked to the incident.

Police also recovered a pair of shin guards from a black bag, which are suspected to have belonged to Owor, as well as a canister of pepper spray, a motorcycle and other exhibits whose details have not yet been disclosed.

Kawala said police are continuing to pursue other suspects and associates believed to be connected to the group.

She added that investigations remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Owor’s death and determine the individual roles of each suspect.