KAMPALA, UGANDA: 7 JUNE 2026— Police at Kira Road Police Station have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of professional rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, who died following a mob justice incident on June 5, 2026.
The suspects in custody have been identified as Noordin Ssebagala, Roden Ayebazibwe, and Juliet Namukose.
According to preliminary investigations, members of the public subjected Gongodyo to mob action after accusing him of snatching a woman’s handbag. However, Kampala Metropolitan Police authorities emphasize that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still under active investigation.
Responding to the scene, police officers rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Separating facts from allegations, medical staff were unable to save him; he succumbed to his injuries later that evening at approximately 7:00 p.m.
The three suspects are currently assisting law enforcement with ongoing investigations. Commenting on the incident, Kampala Metropolitan Police Public Relations Officer, SP Racheal Kawala, strongly condemned the public’s actions.
”The Police strongly condemn all forms of mob justice and reiterate the call to members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the relevant authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands. Mob action undermines the rule of law and often results in the tragic loss of innocent lives.”
Police have stated that further details will be communicated as the investigations progress.
