Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Stanbic Black Pirates rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, who allegedly died after being attacked by a mob in Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Noordin Ssebagala, Roden Ayebazibwe, and Juliet Namukose, are currently detained at Kira Road Police Station as investigations into the incident continue.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, preliminary findings indicate that Gongodyo was allegedly assaulted by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman's handbag.
“The exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation,” Kawala said.
Police said the incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at around 2:00 p.m. and has been registered as a case of murder by mob action.
Officers reportedly responded to the scene and rushed the 27-year-old to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7:00 p.m. the same day.
The arrest of the three suspects marks the first major breakthrough in the case, which has sparked outrage within Uganda’s sporting community and renewed concerns over the growing trend of mob justice.
Police have not yet revealed the specific role each suspect allegedly played in the attack, noting that investigations are still ongoing.
“We strongly condemn all forms of mob justice and reiterate our call to members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the relevant authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands,” Kawala stated.
She added that mob action undermines the rule of law and can lead to the loss of innocent lives.
Gongodyo was a student at Makerere University, a resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and a respected player for Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club. His death has left the rugby fraternity and the wider sports community in mourning.
Burial Arrangements
According to funeral arrangements released by A Plus Funeral Management on behalf of the family:
- Sunday, June 7: Body viewing at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- The body will then be transported to Senior Quarters on Bungokho Road in Mbale City, where a vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m.
- Monday, June 8: Funeral service at Senior Quarters from 11:00 a.m., followed by transportation to Sironko District for an overnight vigil scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 9: Burial at Buweri Town Council in Budadiri County, Sironko District.
The funeral arrangements are being coordinated on behalf of the family of James Gyabi and Nancy Kakai of Mbale City.