KAMPALA – Police have confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects allegedly involved in the brutal murder of professional rugby player Sydney Gongodyo in Kampala last week.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The two apprehended suspects have been identified as Mugwiisa Obed and Owino Joseph, a security guard, both of whom were tracked down following intensified efforts by police.
Obed and Joseph are alleged to have been involved in the mob attack on athlete Sydney Gongodyo last Friday, June 5, 2026, near Seefway supermarket along Bukoto-Ntinda Road in Nakawa Division.
The deceased, Sydney, a professional rugby player, was accused by members of the public, largely boda boda riders and bystanders, of snatching a woman’s handbag.
The mob severely beat him. He was rushed by police to Mulago Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries around 7:00 pm the same day.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Kawala Rachael, Mugwiisa Obed became a key target after he was unmistakably captured in video footage from the scene of the incident.
The graphic video, which has been widely circulated during the investigation, shows Obed wearing a distinctive yellow T-shirt and wielding a large log during the chaos.
Upon his arrest, Obed reportedly broke down during interrogation and led detectives to a local laundry service (dobbi) where he had taken his incriminating yellow T-shirt to be washed in an attempt to destroy the evidence.
Forensic officers have since recovered the garment, which is now undergoing analysis. This provides investigators with crucial physical evidence potentially linking Obed directly to the lethal assault on the rugby star.
The second suspect, Owino Joseph, a private security guard, was arrested separately, though authorities have yet to detail his specific alleged role in the mob attack. He is among the ten suspects now facing questioning.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to holding all responsible individuals accountable, adding that efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and apprehend others believed to have participated in the incident.
“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. Efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident,” stated SP Kawala.
The death of rugby figure Gongodyo has shocked the sports community, as fans and teammates hold vigils demanding justice and an end to mob justice, a persistent regional challenge.
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