Rugby player Sydney Gyabi Gogondyo will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Buweri Town Council, Budadiri County, Sironko District, according to an announcement by A Plus Funeral Management.
A Plus Funeral Management, speaking on behalf of the family of James Gyabi and Nancy Kakai of Mbale City, confirmed the funeral programme for the late player, who featured for Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club.
The body viewing will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere, between 9am and 11am. After the viewing, the body will be transported to Senior Quarters, Bungokho Road in Mbale City, where a vigil will be held starting at 6pm.
On Monday, June 8, a funeral service will be held at Senior Quarters at 11:00 a.m., after which the body will proceed to Sironko for another vigil scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Burial is set for Tuesday at 11am.
Meanwhile, Police in Kampala have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Gogondyo’s death.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the player was attacked by a mob in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala District at around 2pm on June 5, 2026.
“It is alleged that, while in Masulira Zone, the victim was subjected to mob action by members of the public under circumstances that are still under investigation,” Kawala said.
She added that police officers responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment.
“Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on June 5, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m.,” she said.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify and apprehend those involved.
Efforts are underway to trace suspects so that they can be brought to justice, according to police.
Gogondyo’s death has shocked the rugby fraternity, with fans and stakeholders mourning a player described as a promising talent in Ugandan rugby.
He was part of the Black Pirates squad that won both the Uganda Rugby Premiership and the Uganda Cup in the previous season, marking a high point in his sporting career.