Video Showing Fatal Mob Attack on Rugby Star Sydney Gongodyo Emerges

KAMPALA: A disturbing new video has emerged showing the final moments of Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo as he was violently assaulted by a mob in Kampala, adding fresh urgency to investigations into his death.

The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, appears to show the 27-year-old former Makerere University student seated on the ground while surrounded by an angry crowd accusing him of stealing a woman’s handbag.

In the video, several people can be heard repeatedly demanding answers from Gongodyo.

“Why were you taking this bag?” one voice asks.

“Is it yours? Why did you steal the bag?” another person is heard saying.

Throughout the recording, Gongodyo insists he is innocent and denies the allegations against him.

However, despite his pleas, members of the crowd continue assaulting him.

The footage shows the rugby player attempting to shield himself as he is subjected to repeated kicks and blows.

Witnesses in the video appear to strike him in various parts of the body while others continue questioning him.

At one point, he can be seen trying to protect his head with his hands as the attack continues around him.

The emergence of the video has sparked outrage across Uganda’s sporting fraternity, with many demanding swift arrests and prosecution of those responsible.

Gongodyo’s death has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, prompting tributes from teammates, clubs, officials and supporters.

Uganda Rugby confirmed his death on Saturday, describing him as a distinguished national team player and a dedicated member of Black Pirates Rugby Football Club.

In a statement, the union said Gongodyo had served Uganda with “honour, discipline and exceptional commitment,” adding that his loss was a monumental blow not only to Black Pirates and the Rugby Cranes but to the entire rugby fraternity.

As a mark of respect, Uganda Rugby postponed Sunday’s Premiership semi-final between Heathens and Stanbic Black Pirates, directed that a moment of silence be observed at all league matches and ordered players and officials to wear black armbands.

Police investigation

A public send-off has been scheduled for Sunday morning at Kings Park Arena, with mourners encouraged to attend in rugby jerseys.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, the fatal incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at around 2:00 p.m. in Upper Naguru Community Village, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division.

Police identified the deceased as Sydney Gongodyo, 27, a resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality and a student at Makerere University.

Authorities said he was attacked and subjected to mob justice by members of the public under circumstances that remain under investigation.

Officers who responded to the scene rushed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries at about 7:00 p.m.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala said investigators are working to establish exactly what happened and identify all those who participated in the attack.

“The incident has been registered at Kira Road Police Station as murder by mob action. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances leading to the attack and to identify and arrest all those involved,” Kawala said.

The newly surfaced video is expected to become a key piece of evidence as detectives seek to reconstruct the events that led to the death of one of Uganda’s most celebrated rugby players.

For many within the rugby fraternity, the footage has transformed what was already a tragedy into a national conversation about mob justice, accountability and the dangers of public vigilantism.

As investigations continue, calls are mounting for authorities to swiftly identify those seen participating in the assault and ensure they are brought before the courts.

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