Kampala, Uganda: Black Pirates Rugby Club will today, Saturday, June 20, transform a crucial rugby weekend into a national conversation on mob justice as players, supporters, and members of the public gather to honour the memory of fallen teammate Sydney Gongodyo.
The club has organised the Sydney Gongodyo Memorial at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, combining remembrance activities, community engagement and a fundraising drive to support Gongodyo’s family while advocating against mob violence.
Gongodyo, a former Black Pirates player, lost his life in a mob justice incident, a tragedy that has since inspired the club to use his memory as a catalyst for change.
Campaign lead Posha Aloyo said the event is intended not only to celebrate Gongodyo’s life but also to challenge the growing culture of mob action across Uganda.
“We encourage every Ugandan to join us this Saturday as we remember one of our own. Mob action is an actual problem that affects us as a country, and while we can’t bring Sydney back, we can try and see that there are no more Sydneys,” Aloyo said.
Activities will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the arrival and assembly of participants at Kings Park Arena.
At midday, organisers will host a panel discussion on mob justice, bringing together stakeholders and members of the public to examine the causes, consequences and possible solutions to the growing challenge.
A fundraising drive in support of Gongodyo’s estate and family will follow at 1:00 p.m. before the official launch of the SydneyIsMe/Sydney Yenze campaign at 2:00 p.m.
According to organisers, the campaign seeks to keep Gongodyo’s legacy alive while creating awareness about the dangers of mob violence and promoting lawful avenues of justice.
“We shall also be launching our campaign against mob action called SydneyIsMe/Sydney Yenze and mobilising funds for the Sydney Gongodyo fund that will go to support his estate. We are grateful for the support already rendered and encourage everyone to come in big numbers and donate to the fund,” Aloyo added.
The memorial programme will then shift to rugby action as Black Pirates host Platinum Credit Heathens in the second leg of the Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final at 4:00 p.m. at Kings Park Arena.
Organisers say the blend of sport, remembrance and advocacy reflects Gongodyo’s enduring impact on the rugby fraternity and the wider community.
The day’s activities will conclude with a networking and wind-down session at 7:00 p.m.
Beyond Saturday’s memorial, the club has also planned an 8.4-kilometre memorial walk on July 5, subject to police approval.
The walk will start in Ntinda, where the tragic incident occurred, and pass through Banda, Kireka and Bweyogerere before culminating at Kings Park Arena.
Participants will contribute UGX 50,000, which includes a commemorative walking vest, hydration and access to the Rugby Premiership semi-final match. Corporate packages valued at UGX 2 million have also been introduced, with proceeds directed towards supporting Gongodyo’s family.
Black Pirates hope the initiative will leave a lasting legacy by raising awareness against mob violence, promoting community solidarity and ensuring that Gongodyo’s memory continues to inspire positive social change.
The memorial is being held under the theme: “Honoring a Legend. Uniting a Generation. Impacting Lives.”
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