Two More Suspects Arrested Over Killing of Rugby Player Sydney Gongodyo

Police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the mob killing of Sydney Gongodyo, a professional rugby player, following an incident that occurred on 5 June 2026.

Gongodyo, 27, a student at Makerere University and a resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, was killed by a mob at around 2:00 p.m. in Upper Naguru Community Village, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala.

According to police, the deceased was mistakenly identified as a suspected thief after unknown assailants allegedly snatched a handbag from a woman in the area. Following an alarm, boda boda riders and other members of the public reportedly pursued and attacked Gongodyo, who was coincidentally crossing the road nearby, believing he was involved in the theft.

Despite his efforts to explain that he was innocent, the angry mob allegedly continued the assault, leading to his death.

Eight suspects had earlier been arrested in connection with the incident. On Tuesday, police arrested two more suspects identified as Mugwiisa Obed and Owino Joseph, a security guard.

Mugwiisa was reportedly captured in video footage wearing a yellow T-shirt and carrying a large log during the attack. According to SP Racheal Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the suspect led investigators to a local laundry where he had taken the yellow T-shirt he was seen wearing on the day of the incident. The garment was subsequently recovered as evidence.

The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to ten as investigations into the alleged mob killing continue.

The other suspects are: Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden, Namukose Juliet, Mondoni Elly, Twinomujuni Herbert, Katsigazi Perigrino, Tayebwa Darlious, and Tugume Hannington.

Kawala said efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this criminal act are held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with the law,” she said.