KAMPALA, Uganda — Police at Kira Road Police Station have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Sydney Gongodyo, a professional rugby player who died after allegedly being assaulted by a mob in Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden, and Namukose Juliet, are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators as inquiries into the incident continue.
According to preliminary findings, Gongodyo was allegedly subjected to mob justice on June 5, 2026, after members of the public accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag. However, police say the exact circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been established and remain under active investigation.
Authorities reported that officers responded swiftly after receiving information about the assault and found the victim critically injured.
Police rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7:00 p.m. on the same day.
“The three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations,” police said in a statement.
The death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s rugby fraternity, with players, fans, and sports officials mourning the loss of a talented athlete whose career was cut short under tragic circumstances.
Police have urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that criminal suspects should be handed over to authorities for investigation and prosecution through lawful channels.
Investigators are expected to review witness statements and other evidence to establish the sequence of events that led to Gongodyo’s death and determine the role played by each suspect.
No charges had been announced by the time of publication, and police said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.