Police have vowed to apprehend everyone involved in the brutal killing of Uganda Rugby Cranes star Sydney Gongodyo, saying investigations are progressing and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
Providing an update on the case, police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said three suspects are already in custody, while security teams have launched a manhunt for others who actively participated in the mob attack.
“We have three suspects in custody, but more, especially those who actively participated, will be arrested. Our teams have already begun the hunt for the suspects. They can't hide; we will get them,” Kituuma said.
Gongodyo, 27, who also played for the Stanbic Pirates Rugby Club, was killed on Friday after being attacked by a mob in Masulira Zone, Bukoto, a Kampala suburb. The Rugby Cranes player had been accused of snatching a bag, allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media show the helpless player being repeatedly assaulted by a group of people, including boda boda riders. In one of the videos, Gongodyo is struck on the head with a log as others take turns beating him.
The former Rugby Cranes player was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Kituuma commended members of the public who have provided information that has helped investigators identify some of the suspects involved in the attack.
He said police are following up on the leads and remain committed to ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice.
Mob Justice Condemned
The police spokesperson strongly condemned mob justice, describing it as unlawful and a threat to the rule of law.
“We condemn mob action because it is unlawful, undermines the rule of law, and often results in the loss of innocent lives. We urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands. If it becomes necessary to arrest a suspect, hand them over to the police without resorting to torture or any form of violence,” Kituuma said.
Quoting the 2025 police annual crime report, Kituuma said f the 4238 cases of murder registered, 950 representing 22.4% were by mob action.
"It is not a good statistic. If out of all people murdered, 950 met their fate in the hands of mobs, it is an ugly statistics," Rusoke said.
He warned that individuals who participate in mob violence can face serious criminal charges, including murder.
“Under no circumstances should there be justification for a mob to take someone's life. Whether Sydney was involved in the alleged offence or not, that does not justify killing him. Even when a suspect is found with exhibits linked to a crime, they should be handed over to the police for lawful processing.”
The killing has reignited public debate about the involvement of some boda boda riders in acts of violence and criminality.
However, Kituuma cautioned against the blanket condemnation of the entire boda boda industry, noting that the actions of a few individuals should not be used to judge an entire sector.
“Let us not condemn the entire boda boda industry simply because some members behaved in a reprehensible manner. There are many law-abiding and hardworking riders. We should not condemn innocent members of the industry,” he said.
“Blanket condemnation of innocent people is one of the factors that fuels mob justice. There are many good people in every profession, and that should be the message across all sectors.”