At least three suspects have been arrested in connection with the mob lynching of Uganda Cranes and Black Pirates rugby forward Sydney Gongodyo. Gongodyo, 27, a Makerere University student and resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, died on Friday evening after sustaining severe injuries during a mob attack in Naguru, a suburb of Kampala.
The incident has plunged Uganda’s rugby community into mourning following the death of one of the country’s promising rugby talents. His death was confirmed by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala.
Gongodyo was attacked in Naguru Upper Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Mulago National Referral Hospital. While initial reports suggested that he had been assaulted by boda boda riders following a road accident, preliminary police investigations indicate that he was allegedly attacked by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag.
Kawala said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. “We have three suspects in our custody,” Kawala said. “The suspects have been identified as Noordin Ssebagala, Rode Ayebazibwe, and Juliet Namukose. They are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.”
Police condemned the act of mob justice, warning that it undermines the rule of law and can result in the loss of innocent lives.“We strongly condemn all forms of mob justice and urge members of the public to report suspected criminal activity to the relevant authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands,” Kawala said.
“Mob action undermines the rule of law and can lead to the loss of innocent lives. Further details will be released as investigations progress.” Gongodyo’s death has left Uganda’s rugby fraternity in deep mourning.
In response, Uganda Rugby Union President Godwin Kayangwe ordered the postponement of Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semifinal between Black Pirates and Heathens in honor of the fallen player.Mob justice remains a significant contributor to violent deaths in Uganda, often fueled by public mistrust of the justice system and a tendency by some citizens to take the law into their own hands.
According to the Police Crime Report 2025, at least 950 people were killed in mob attacks, with many victims accused of crimes such as theft, robbery, murder, witchcraft, or burglary. Authorities continue to urge the public to allow law enforcement agencies to handle criminal suspects through established legal processes. URN