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Murder: Four charged over Rugby star Gongodyo's death
According to the charge sheet filed under Kira Road Police Station CRB 619/2026, the accused face one count of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
The four accused persons charged with the murder of rugby player Sydney Gyabi Gongodyo appear before City Hall Court in Kampala on Friday. They were remanded to prison pending further investigations. (Photo by Barbra Kabahumuza)
By: Barbra Kabahumuza, Journalist @New Vision
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Four men accused of murdering rugby player Sydney Gyabi Gongodyo have been remanded to Luzira prison after appearing before the City Hall Court in Kampala.
The accused are Obed Mugwisa, 39, a boda boda rider who resides in Nsimbiziwome, Nakawa suburbs, Elly Mondoni, 33, a delivery agent attached to Medicinal Pharmacy and resident of Luzira-Port Bell Road in Nakawa Division, Joseph Owino, 30, a private security guard residing in Bukoto, Nakawa Division and Henry Kabugo, 21, a boda boda rider from Bukoto Old Kira Zone in Nakawa Division.
The four on Friday, June 12, appeared before Senior Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire, while Grace Akite represented the State.
According to the charge sheet filed under Kira Road Police Station CRB 619/2026, the accused face one count of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Prosecution alleges that Mugwisa, Mondoni, Owino, Kabugo and others still at large, on June 5, 2026, at Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala District, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Gongodyo.
During the proceedings, the court interpreter read the charge to the accused, who indicated that they understood the allegations against them.
However, Magistrate Karakire informed the accused that the City Hall Court lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine murder cases because they are capital offences that can only be tried by the High Court.
“The court does not have jurisdiction to try your case because it is capital in nature. You will be remanded to prison as investigations continue, and will be brought back for mention of the case. Once investigations are complete, the matter will be forwarded to the High Court for trial,” Karakire told the accused.
The magistrate then remanded the four accused to prison until June 23, 2026, when they are expected to reappear before court for mention of the case.
Prosecution alleges that Mugwisa, Mondoni, Owino, Kabugo and others still at large, on June 5, 2026, at Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala District, with malice aforethought, unlawfully caused the death of Gongodyo.
During the proceedings, the court interpreter read the charge to the accused, who indicated that they understood the allegations against them.
However, Magistrate Karakire informed the accused that the City Hall Court lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine murder cases because they are capital offences that can only be tried by the High Court.
“The court does not have jurisdiction to try your case because it is capital in nature. You will be remanded to prison as investigations continue, and will be brought back for mention of the case. Once investigations are complete, the matter will be forwarded to the High Court for trial,” Karakire told the accused.
The magistrate then remanded the four accused to prison until June 23, 2026, when they are expected to reappear before court for mention of the case.
Police investigations into the murder are still ongoing, with authorities indicating that several other suspects linked to the incident remain at large.
Background
Gongodyo, a rugby player, died following an alleged violent attack at Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala on June 5.
The incident sparked widespread public concern within Uganda’s sporting fraternity, particularly among rugby enthusiasts and teammates who called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police subsequently launched investigations that led to the arrest of the four suspects. Detectives have maintained that efforts to trace and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident are ongoing.
Background
Gongodyo, a rugby player, died following an alleged violent attack at Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala on June 5.
The incident sparked widespread public concern within Uganda’s sporting fraternity, particularly among rugby enthusiasts and teammates who called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police subsequently launched investigations that led to the arrest of the four suspects. Detectives have maintained that efforts to trace and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident are ongoing.