KAMPALA: Uganda’s football world has been plunged into mourning after national team captain David Owere died following a brutal attack during an alleged robbery near his home in Kampala. The 27-year-old footballer was reportedly confronted by suspected robbers in the Makindye area while they attempted to steal his mobile phone and other valuables. Police said Owere resisted the attackers, triggering a violent assault that left the young captain critically injured. Witnesses said the attackers allegedly pelted Owere with stones before fleeing the scene. He was found unconscious and was quickly taken to a nearby clinic for treatment. As his condition remained serious, Owere was later transferred to a private hospital. Despite receiving medical care, the footballer succumbed to his injuries, bringing a sudden and tragic end to the life of one of Uganda’s emerging football leaders. His death has shocked supporters and the football community across the country. Owere was a key figure for both the Uganda national team and SC Villa, one of Uganda’s most successful clubs. His versatility allowed him to play as a right-back as well as in midfield, while his leadership qualities earned him the captain’s armband. SC Villa paid an emotional tribute to their captain, saying the club had lost far more than a footballer. The Uganda Football Federation also mourned Owere, describing him as an exemplary leader who made an impact both on and off the pitch. The federation highlighted his influence on younger players and his role as an inspirational figure within Ugandan football. The circumstances of his death have raised concerns about violent crime in Kampala, with the alleged attack occurring close to the player’s home. Police are expected to investigate the incident and pursue those responsible for the attack. For Uganda’s football fans, Owere’s death is a devastating loss. At only 27, he had already established himself as a respected captain and leader, leaving behind teammates, supporters and a football community struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

The NBA’s investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers remains ongoing, with the league’s review now stretching into its 11th month and potentially continuing into 2027 if no agreement is reached on the findings or any disciplinary action. The investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers may have violated the NBA’s salary cap regulations. League officials launched the probe in September 2025, and it has since become one of the longest-running investigations involving a high-profile player and franchise in recent years. The unresolved case has also affected player movement across the league. A proposed trade that would send Leonard from the Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been placed on hold until the NBA completes its investigation. While both organizations are still believed to support the deal, league rules prevent the transaction from being finalized while the inquiry remains active. The extended timeline has created uncertainty for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Leonard’s future remains undecided, with the outcome of the investigation expected to play a significant role in determining when, or if, the trade can move forward. Another potential complication involves the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which could challenge any disciplinary action through arbitration if it believes the NBA lacks sufficient evidence to justify sanctions. Such a move could further prolong the process, adding another layer of legal review before the matter reaches a conclusion. Kawhi Leonard has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he has not violated league rules. The Los Angeles Clippers have also strongly rejected claims that they breached the NBA’s salary cap regulations. In a statement, the franchise said it has fully cooperated with the league throughout the investigation. According to the team, it has participated in numerous interviews, provided extensive documentation, and granted investigators access to staff members in an effort to assist with the review. The Clippers also addressed allegations involving businessman Joe Sanberg and the financial company Aspiration, both of which have been linked to the investigation. The organization denied claims that it directed money to Leonard through Aspiration or any related arrangement. Instead, the franchise argued that it was itself harmed by an alleged fraudulent scheme connected to Sanberg. The team stated that, like several investors, financial institutions, and business partners, it was a victim of fraud rather than a participant in any improper financial activity. According to the Clippers, Sanberg has already been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the organization insists that those events are separate from any suggestion that it attempted to circumvent NBA financial rules. The NBA has not announced when the investigation will conclude or whether any disciplinary measures will ultimately be imposed. Until a final decision is reached, Leonard’s proposed move to Toronto will remain on hold, leaving both franchises awaiting clarity on one of the league’s most closely watched investigations.

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths of 15 newborn babies in the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Akhtar described the incident as an extremely painful and heartbreaking tragedy. He said the loss of newborn children was devastating and called for a strict and transparent investigation into the incident. Akhtar stressed that those responsible for any negligence or failure should be identified through the investigation. He said accountability was necessary to ensure that such a tragic incident does not happen again. The former cricketer also expressed solidarity with the parents and families who lost their newborn children in the fire. “I share the grief of all the parents and families who have lost their newborn children in such a painful manner,” Akhtar said, while praying that Allah Almighty grant them patience and strength to endure the loss. The PIMS fire has sparked widespread grief and anger across Pakistan, with citizens, political figures and public personalities demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements, emergency response systems and the overall preparedness of major public hospitals to deal with emergencies.