Kampala — Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with the mob killing of Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo, including a man allegedly captured on video assaulting the athlete with a wooden log during the fatal attack.
The latest arrests bring the number of suspects in custody to 10 as investigators intensify efforts to identify and apprehend all those involved in the June 5 incident that has shocked Uganda’s sporting fraternity and reignited concerns about mob justice.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala identified the suspects as Mugwiisa Obed and Owino Joseph, a private security guard.
According to police, Mugwiisa became a key suspect after investigators reviewed video footage recorded during the attack in Upper Naguru, Nakawa Division.
“Mugwiisa Obed was captured in video footage wearing a yellow T-shirt and carrying a large log during the incident,” SP Kawala said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Police said the suspect later led detectives to a laundry facility where he had allegedly taken the yellow T-shirt he was wearing during the attack. The garment was recovered and has since been added to exhibits being examined by investigators.
Detectives believe the clothing could provide crucial evidential links to the case.
Mr Owino was arrested separately as police widened investigations to identify all individuals who participated in the attack.
The two join eight other suspects who were arrested earlier and remain in custody. They are Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden, Namukose Juliet, Mondoni Elly, Twinomujuni Herbert, Katsigazi Perigrino, Tayebwa Darlious and Tugume Hannington.
Police said more arrests are expected as investigators continue analysing video footage, witness statements and other evidence collected from the scene.
“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,” SP Kawala said.
Gongodyo, 27, sustained severe injuries during a mob attack in Upper Naguru Community Village, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division. Police said he was allegedly assaulted by a group of boda boda riders and members of the public who accused him of theft.
Responding officers found him critically injured and rushed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he later died.
His death sparked outrage across Uganda’s sports community, with teammates, rugby clubs, officials and fans demanding justice.
Gongodyo played for Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club and the national Rugby Cranes team. He was also a student at Makerere University and was part of the Black Pirates side that won the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership title.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent challenge of mob justice in Uganda.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, a total of 950 mob justice killings were recorded out of 4,238 homicide cases reported nationwide, accounting for 22.4 per cent of all murders registered during the year.
Security officials have repeatedly cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging citizens to hand suspects over to police for investigation and prosecution.
Investigators say efforts to identify additional suspects remain ongoing, with police appealing to members of the public to provide any information that could assist the inquiry.