Pirates retire No. 7 in honour of fallen star Gongodyo

When game situations went askew, Sydney Gongodyo was always the Stanbic Black Pirates' go-to man, capable of turning difficult circumstances around.

Following his tragic death last Friday, the 27-year-old leaves behind a rugby family devastated by the loss. For many members of the team, coming to terms with his passing is something that will take time because the suddenness of the tragedy has yet to sink in.

Dennis Etuket is among those who witnessed Gongodyo's rise through the ranks, dating back to his school rugby days at Kings College Budo. He described the deceased as a disciplined and hardworking individual.

"He was very disciplined and hardworking. He was a player who was willing to listen to those in charge and was very respectful. Any team he was part of became family to him. He never got into fights and loved having fun, but above all, he respected everyone," Etuket stated.

As a forward who played both lock and flanker, Gongodyo consistently stepped up to the plate. He was an excellent ball carrier, possessed strong defensive qualities, played with controlled aggression, and was a reliable jumper in the line-out.

"Sydney was a very intelligent and strong player who understood the game and the preparation it required. The older he got, the better he understood his position."

His absence within the Pirates organisation will be felt for years to come because, according to Moses Zziwa, who played alongside him and knew him from high school, his leadership was unmatched.

"He was a good leader and was particularly effective at commanding line-outs. He never took things too seriously and never had any grievances with anyone. We shall miss him. We had made plans to win together; we had convinced ourselves that we would do it. Now that he is gone, we shall dedicate the rest of the season to him."

Gongodyo's impact on club rugby saw him win the Nile Special Rugby Premiership title and the National Sevens title. Most notably, he made his national team debut in 2023. He quickly became a mainstay of the national side and featured in the Elgon Cup, as well as the two Rugby Africa Cup tournaments hosted in Kampala in 2024 and 2025.

He was a regular recipient of Man of the Match awards in the Nile Special Rugby Premiership and became synonymous with one of the most successful Pirates teams of the past five years. His zenith was indeed leading the Pirates to the Enterprise Cup final, which became his last ever appearance for the club.

During the memorial service, the club announced that it would retire the number seven jersey in honour of Gongodyo. His parents will receive the final kit he wore in the Enterprise Cup final in recognition of his service to the sport.

For many rugby fans, a life was taken in broad daylight, and the only thing they wish to see is justice served against those responsible.

He was laid to rest in Budadiri yesterday, and his final send-off at the King's Park Arena in Bweyogerere on Sunday drew massive crowds, demonstrating the profound impact he had on the club. It was a clear indication of how deeply loved he was and a moment that brought together the Ugandan rugby family.

For those who supported the Pirates, the pain will linger for many months and years to come. The events that unfolded in the moments leading up to his death will never make sense to supporters of the club or the rugby fraternity at large, but Gongodyo's legacy will extend far beyond the game itself.

Over the week, Uganda Police has so far arrested 11 people in connection with Gongodyo's killing in an act of mob violence.