Ugandan rugby is mourning the death of Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo, who died after a mob attack in Kampala, prompting police to open a murder investigation and the Uganda Rugby Union to postpone Sunday’s Premiership semi-final.
Gongodyo, 27, who was also a student at Makerere University, died on Friday evening after sustaining serious injuries during an attack in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said a case of murder by mob action had been registered at Kira Road Police Station. According to police, the incident occurred at around 2pm before officers responded and rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he died at about 7pm.
“Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved so that they can be brought to justice,” Kawala said.
Police have not confirmed what led to the attack. However, unverified reports shared on social media have claimed that Gongodyo may have been involved in a road accident shortly before he was attacked by boda boda riders and some members of the public while trying to explain what had happened. Authorities have not verified those claims.
The news has deeply shaken Uganda’s rugby fraternity. Uganda Rugby Union president Godwin Kayangwe described Gongodyo’s death as a major loss to the game, saying he had “served Uganda with honour, discipline, and exceptional commitment” through his role at both Black Pirates and the national team.
Following the announcement, Kayangwe directed that Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final between Black Pirates and Heathens be postponed. He also said a moment of silence should be observed before all sanctioned matches this Saturday, while national team players and officials are expected to wear black armbands in upcoming fixtures.
The Uganda Rugby Union said it will work with Black Pirates and Gongodyo’s family to ensure he receives a fitting send-off.
Gongodyo was a dependable figure in the Black Pirates forward pack and was part of the side that won the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership title. He also travelled with the club for last week’s Enterprise Cup final against Kabras Sugar in Nairobi.
At international level, he had become a regular member of the Rugby Cranes XVs squad.
A new date for the postponed Black Pirates versus Heathens semi-final has not yet been announced. Police investigations into Gongodyo’s death are continuing.
