Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of Uganda rugby player Sydney Gongodyo following an alleged mob justice incident in Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Noordin Ssebagala, Toden Ayebazibwe and Juliet Namukose, are currently in police custody and assisting with investigations.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, preliminary findings indicate that Gongodyo was allegedly attacked by a mob after being accused of snatching a woman’s handbag in Masulira Zone, Bukoto, on Friday.
The Stanbic Black Pirates player sustained severe injuries during the assault and was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries at around 7:00 p.m.
Police have strongly condemned acts of mob justice, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands undermines the criminal justice system and can lead to the loss of innocent lives.
“Police strongly condemn all forms of mob justice. We urge members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the relevant authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands. Mob action undermines the rule of law and can result in the loss of innocent lives,” SP Kawala said.
She added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Gongodyo’s death are ongoing and that more information will be released as inquiries progress.
Gongodyo, who featured for Stanbic Black Pirates and the Uganda Rugby Cranes, will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Sironko District.
