ACCUSED OF STEALING HANDBAG! Fresh Details Emerge on Murder of Rugby Player Sydney Gongodyo by Mob Action as Suspects Arrested

KAMPALA – Fresh details have emerged in the death of professional rugby player Sydney Gongodyo, who died after being allegedly attacked by members of the public in Kampala following accusations that he had stolen a woman’s handbag.

Police have now arrested three suspects as investigations into the incident continue.

Gongodyo died on June 5, 2026, after sustaining severe injuries during the violent altercation. He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite emergency treatment.

Authorities say detectives are still working to reconstruct the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal attack, which has shocked Uganda’s sporting community and reignited debate over mob justice.

Police officers reportedly responded swiftly after receiving reports of the incident and found the rugby player in critical condition at the scene before transporting him to hospital.

The incident has raised renewed concern about rising cases of public violence and citizens taking the law into their own hands before facts are verified.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police confirmed that three individuals are in custody at Kira Road Police Station, assisting with inquiries.

The suspects have been identified as Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden, and Namukose Juliet.

In a statement, police revealed that preliminary findings point to allegations that the victim was attacked after being accused of snatching a woman’s handbag.

“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,” police said.

However, authorities stressed that the case is still under active investigation and no final conclusions have been made.

“However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation,” the statement added.

Police also confirmed the timeline of events, noting the victim was rushed to hospital immediately after the attack.

“Police officers responded promptly to the scene and rushed the victim to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on 5 June 2026 at approximately 7:00 p.m.,” police said.

The three suspects remain in custody as detectives continue to gather evidence and witness statements.

“The three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations,” police stated.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid mob justice and instead report suspected offenders to law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.

“We strongly condemns all forms of mob justice and reiterates its call to members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the relevant authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands,” noted Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala.

“Mob action undermines the rule of law and can result in the loss of innocent lives.”

Relatedly, a Kyambogo University student has been burnt to death inside his room in Bweyogerere, as reported Here.