Former presidential candidate and Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi has expressed grief over the death of Sydney Gongodyo, the Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates player who was killed after reportedly being subjected to mob justice in Kampala.
Mafabi described the incident as tragic and called for an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo, who reportedly died after being subjected to mob justice in Kampala,” Mafabi said.
The legislator condemned acts of mob justice, stressing that every citizen is entitled to due process and the protection of the law regardless of the allegations they may face.
“I call upon the Uganda Police Force to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
“No individual should be denied their right to due process.”
Mafabi warned that the growing tendency of communities to take the law into their own hands threatens public safety and undermines confidence in the country's justice system.
“Mob justice undermines the rule of law and threatens public safety,” he added.
Gongodyo, 27, was a forward for the national rugby team, the Rugby Cranes, and also featured for Stanbic Black Pirates RFC. He was also a student at Makerere University.
According to reports, Gongodyo was attacked on June 5 in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division after being mistakenly accused of snatching a woman's handbag during an actual robbery incident. Despite reportedly pleading his innocence, he was beaten and stabbed by a mob.
He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Police have since arrested three suspects in connection with the killing and investigations are ongoing.
His death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s rugby fraternity, prompting an outpouring of tributes from teammates, fans, and sports administrators. The tragedy also led to the postponement of a Rugby Premiership semi-final fixture as the sporting community mourned one of its rising stars.
Mafabi extended his condolences to Gongodyo’s family, friends, teammates, and the wider rugby community.
“May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
The incident has reignited debate over mob justice in Uganda, where suspects are sometimes attacked by crowds before law enforcement can intervene.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that such actions deny victims due process and often result in the deaths of innocent people wrongly accused of crimes.