Police have arrested an 11th suspect in connection with the mob killing of Uganda rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, as investigators continue to pursue more individuals allegedly involved in the brutal attack that claimed the athlete’s life.
The latest suspect, identified as 21-year-old Henry Kabugo, a boda boda rider from Old Kira-Kisenyi, was arrested in Wandegeya during a joint operation conducted by police and boda boda leaders from Nakawa Division.
Kabugo’s arrest comes amid growing public demand for justice and a remarkable citizen-driven effort that has seen members of the public scrutinize videos and photographs, identify suspects, and share crucial information with investigators.
Authorities say fresh footage and images circulating on social media have revealed additional individuals believed to have participated in the June 5 attack. Among the newly surfaced evidence are photographs allegedly showing a man holding what appeared to be a blood-stained knife suspected to have been used during the assault.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, detectives identified Kabugo through video footage in which he was allegedly seen wearing a blue reflector jacket while concealing part of his face with a black hood.
The arrest follows the recent apprehension of Obed Mugwisa and Joseph Owino, a security guard, who were also identified through video evidence linked to the incident.
Police allege that Mugwisa was captured on camera wearing a yellow T-shirt and carrying a large log during the attack. During questioning, he reportedly led investigators to a laundry facility where he had taken the shirt after the incident. The garment has since been recovered and added to the growing collection of evidence.
“This arrest brings the total number of suspects currently in custody to eleven as investigations into the alleged mob killing continue. We commend the boda boda community for its cooperation and support in assisting law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend those involved,” Kawala said.
Investigators are currently reviewing additional videos and photographs submitted by members of the public as efforts intensify to identify and arrest all suspects connected to the fatal attack.
Gongodyo, 27, was attacked on June 5, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m. in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division in Kampala. He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries at around 7:00 p.m. the same day.
The death of the talented rugby player has sparked widespread grief across Uganda’s sporting community. Gongodyo was regarded as one of the country’s rising rugby stars and played a key role in the success of the Black Pirates rugby club, which won both the Uganda Rugby Premiership and the Uganda Cup last season.
He was laid to rest on June 9, 2026, in Buweri Town Council, Budadiri County, Sironko District, where family members, friends, teammates, and fans gathered to pay their final respects.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to continue sharing evidence as authorities work to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.
