Kampala, Uganda: Four men have been charged with the murder of Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi and remanded to prison as police intensify efforts to arrest other suspects linked to the killing.
The suspects, identified as Obed Mugwisa, 39, a boda boda rider; Elly Mondoni, 33, a delivery agent; Joseph Owino, 30, a private security guard; and Henry Kabugo, 21, also a boda boda rider, appeared before City Hall Court on Friday, June 12, where they were read the charges.
Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire informed the accused of the murder charge but did not allow them to enter pleas because the offence is capital in nature and can only be tried by the High Court.
“This court does not have jurisdiction to try your case because it is capital in nature. I will send you to prison until investigations are complete and you are committed to the High Court for trial,” Karakire ruled, remanding them to Luzira Prison until June 23, 2026, when the matter will return to court for mention.
Police Hunt for More Suspects
State prosecutor Grace Akite told the court that investigations were still ongoing and that police were pursuing additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
“We have other suspects still on the run and police are searching for them. We pray for an adjournment to enable police to conclude investigations and arrest other suspects,” Akite submitted.
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons and others still at large allegedly murdered Gongodyo on June 5, 2026, along Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala with malice aforethought.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that Gongodyo, 27, was attacked by a mob after being falsely accused of stealing a woman’s handbag in Kampala’s Bukoto suburb.
Police officers reportedly intervened and rushed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment, but he later succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the assault.
His death sparked widespread grief across Uganda’s sporting fraternity, particularly within the rugby community, where he was regarded as one of the country’s promising talents.
The 27-year-old played as a forward for the Uganda Rugby Cranes and featured for Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club in the national rugby premiership.
Following his death, Uganda Rugby Union postponed Rugby Premiership semi-final matches as players, clubs, and fans mourned the fallen star. URU President Godwin Kayangwe described Gongodyo’s death as a “monumental loss to the sport” and called for justice.
Police say investigations remain active and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend everyone involved in the attack.
Renewed Concerns Over Mob Justice
The killing has reignited concerns over mob justice in Uganda, where suspected criminals are frequently assaulted by crowds before investigations are conducted.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned against taking the law into one’s own hands, noting that innocent people are often targeted based on rumours, false accusations or mistaken identity.
Police have also cautioned that some criminals exploit mob situations to settle personal scores or commit theft and violence under the guise of public anger.
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