By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
Kira Road Police has apprehended two heartless men and one woman in connection with the death of Makerere University student as well as Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward, Sydney Gongodyo who succumbed to severe injuries on June 5, 2026, following an alleged mob attack in Nakawa division.
Police spokesperson police identified the suspects as Noordin Ssebagala, Roden Ayebazibwe and Juliet Namukose.
The Kampala metropolitan police spokeswoman, Racheal Kawala, told the media that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was allegedly subjected to mob action by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag. However, she says the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation.
Kawala noted that during the incident Police responded promptly to the scene and rushed the victim to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment but sadly, he succumbed to death due to severe injuries at approximately 7:00 p.m.
She further revealed that the three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
The 27-year -old, a resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District was also a student at Makerere University.
He played a pivotal role in the Black Pirates team that won both the Uganda Rugby Premiership and Uganda Cup last season.
The late Sydney was also part of the Pirates side that played Kenyan side Kabras Sugar Rugby Club, in the Enterprise Cup Finals at RFUEA Ngong Grounds Last weekend.
The Uganda Rugby Union was forced to postpone the Sunday Premiership semifinal against Heathens on Sunday June 7, in which Sydney was lined up to be part of the match day squad. However, his sudden demise has left the Ugandan rugby fraternity in mourning mood.
Burial Arrangements
The funeral arrangements for Gongodyo have been announced by A Plus Funeral Management on behalf of his family.
According to the programme, body viewing will be held on Sunday, June 7, at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The body will thereafter be transported to Senior Quarters on Bungokho Road in Mbale City, where a vigil will commence at 6:00 pm.
Today on Monday, June 8, a funeral service will be held at Senior Quarters starting at 11:00 am, after which the body will proceed to Sironko District for an overnight vigil scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Gongodyo will be laid to rest on Tuesday 9,2026, at Buweri Town Council in Budadiri County, Sironko District.
A Plus Funeral Management said the arrangements are being conducted on behalf of the family of James Gyabi and Nancy Kakai of Mbale City.
