Police in Kampala have arrested three suspects in connection with the mob killing of Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo, as investigations into the shocking incident continue.
The suspects have been identified as Noordin Ssebagala, Toden Ayebazibwe, and Juliet Namukose. According to police, the trio was arrested as part of ongoing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding Gongodyo’s death and bring those responsible to justice.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrests on Saturday, saying detectives are continuing to gather evidence and track down other individuals who may have participated in the attack.
Gongodyo, who played for both the national Rugby Cranes team and Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club, died on Friday evening after sustaining severe injuries during a mob attack in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division in Kampala.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 2:00 p.m., after which the rugby player was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment. However, he later succumbed to his injuries.
While the circumstances surrounding the attack were initially unclear, police have since revealed that preliminary investigations suggest Gongodyo was attacked after members of the public accused him of theft.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was allegedly subjected to mob action by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag,” Kawala said.
Police emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
The death of Gongodyo has sparked widespread outrage across Uganda’s sporting community, with fellow players, fans, and rugby officials condemning the brutal act and calling for accountability.
Tributes have continued to pour in for the talented athlete, who was regarded as one of the rising stars in Ugandan rugby. Gongodyo played a key role in Stanbic Black Pirates’ successful campaign last season, helping the club secure both the Uganda Rugby Premiership and Uganda Cup titles.
Members of the rugby fraternity have described his death as a tragic loss to the sport and have called on authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
The incident has also renewed concerns about mob justice in Uganda, where suspects are sometimes attacked by crowds before police investigations can be conducted.
Police say efforts are continuing to identify and arrest any additional suspects linked to the attack as investigations progress.
