Uganda Police Arrest 10th Suspect in Brutal Mob Killing of Rugby Star Sydney Gongodyo

KAMPALA, Uganda – Police have announced the arrest of the 10th suspect in connection with the tragic mob killing of 27-year-old rugby star Sydney Gongodyo, a forward for the Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates.

The latest arrests include Mugwiisa Obed (also referred to as Obed Mugwisa or Mugwisa Obed), who was captured on video wielding a heavy log during the attack, and security guard Owino Joseph.

Gongodyo died on June 5, 2026, after being brutally assaulted by a mob in the Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division (near Froebel Road/Ntinda area) in Kampala. The mob wrongly accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag. CCTV footage reportedly shows Gongodyo pleading his innocence as he was beaten with fists, kicks, and a heavy log, while the actual thief escaped on a boda boda motorcycle. He collapsed and was rushed to Mulago Hospital, where he passed away later that evening.

Police Updates and Arrests

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the latest developments. Earlier arrests included suspects such as Noordin Ssebagala, Toden Ayebazibwe, and Juliet Namukose. With the addition of Obed and Joseph, the total in custody now stands at ten.

During interrogation, Obed reportedly led investigators to a local laundry where he had taken the yellow T-shirt he was wearing in the viral video footage; the garment was recovered as evidence.

Police have strongly condemned the act of mob justice, emphasizing that it undermines the justice system and often leads to the loss of innocent lives. Investigations are ongoing, with assurances that more arrests will follow as efforts continue to identify and apprehend all participants.

Tributes and Funeral

The rugby community and the nation mourned “Big 7” or “Our Star,” as Gongodyo was affectionately known. His No. 7 jersey was retired by the Black Pirates. Emotional tributes poured in during funeral proceedings, with the body taken to his ancestral home in Budadiri, Sironko District (Beri/Buweri Town Council area).

A vigil and prayers were held, including at King Park Arena in Bweyogerere, ahead of the burial on Tuesday, June 9, 2026—coinciding with Heroes Day. Siblings and family delivered heartfelt tributes, and the rugby fraternity honored his contributions, including his role in the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership.

Gongodyo is survived by his wife and young child. His death has reignited widespread concerns about vigilante violence and public distrust in Uganda’s justice system, particularly amid rising incidents of mob action often fueled by boda boda operators and bystanders.

This case highlights the dangers of instant “justice” without due process. Police continue to urge the public to provide information while stressing the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle investigations. Further updates are expected as the probe progresses.