Rugby player lynching: Police hunt more suspects as three face murder charges

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Police have intensified the hunt for more suspects involved in the mob killing of Black Pirates rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, warning that all those captured in the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera videos and photographs circulating on social media will be arrested and prosecuted.

Addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said investigations into the June 5 incident in Nakawa Division were ongoing and had already led to the arrest of three suspects, who are facing murder charges.

Gongondyo, 27, a professional rugby player and resident of Najjeera in Kira municipality, Wakiso District, was attacked and severely beaten by a group of boda boda riders and other members of the public after being accused of stealing a woman's handbag.

Kituuma said police received information about the incident at around 2:00pm on the fateful day and immediately responded.

“Upon arrival at the scene, Sydney was found critically injured but still alive. He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for medical attention, where he later succumbed to his injuries,” Kituuma said.

A team of investigators from the Kampala Metropolitan Police visited and documented the scene, while detectives launched a manhunt for those responsible.

“So far, we have three people in custody facing murder charges, but the hunt for more suspects is ongoing. Those seen actively participating in the assault cannot hide. Their hiding is only temporary,” Kituuma said.

He commended members of the public who have shared information and helped identify suspects through social media platforms.

The police spokesperson strongly condemned mob justice, describing it as unlawful and a threat to the rule of law.

“Under any circumstances, if you arrest a suspect, hand them over to police. Do not resort to torture or any form of violence. Participation in mob action is a serious criminal offence and may result in murder charges,” he warned.

Kituuma cautioned that criminals sometimes exploit mob situations to target innocent people and settle personal grudges.

“There are people who disguise criminal intentions as action against suspected criminals. "Do not be lured into becoming part of a lynch mob,” he warned.

He cited crime statistics showing that mob violence remains a major concern in Uganda.

According to the 2025 Annual Crime Report, police recorded 4,238 homicide cases, of which 950 were attributed to mob action, representing 22.4 percent of all murders registered during the year.

Kituuma appealed against blanket condemnation of the boda boda industry following Gongondyo’s death.

“There are many law-abiding boda boda riders. Crime is individual and should not be used to judge an entire profession, tribe, religion or institution,” he said.

He pledged that police would continue pursuing all those involved until they are brought before court.

“This matter is of public concern, and we shall do everything possible to ensure that everyone involved is held accountable,” Kituuma said.