Obed Mugwisa (Left), the key suspects about to appear in court as security surrounds them
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Four men who allegedly participated in the brutal killing of national rugby player Sydney Gyabi Gongodyo have been formally charged with murder, marking a significant development in a case that has shocked the country and reignited concerns about mob justice in Uganda.
The suspects, identified as Obed Mugwisa, 39, a boda boda rider; Elly Mondoni, 33, a delivery agent; Joseph Owino, 30, a private security guard; and Henry Kabugo, 21, a boda boda rider, appeared before the City Hall Court in Kampala this Friday, June 12, 2026, where they were charged in connection with the death of the Rugby Cranes player.
The four were remanded to prison by Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire and were not allowed to enter pleas because murder is a capital offence under Ugandan law and can only be tried by the High Court. They are expected to return to court on June 23, 2026, for the mention of their case.
According to the charge sheet sanctioned at Kira Road Police Station under CRB 619/2026, the accused are charged with murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Court documents indicate that Mugwisa is a boda boda rider from Nsimbiziwome Zone in Nakawa Division, while Mondoni works as a delivery agent attached to Medicinal Pharmacy and resides along Luzira Port Bell Road. Owino is a private security guard from Bukoto, and Kabugo is a boda boda rider from Bukoto Old Kira Zone.
Prosecution alleges that on June 5, 2026, the four men, acting together with other suspects who are still at large, unlawfully and with malice aforethought caused the death of Gongodyo at Upper Naguru East Road in Kampala District.
Investigators believe the fatal attack stemmed from a false accusation that the 27-year-old rugby player had snatched a woman’s handbag. According to police findings, Gongodyo was subsequently assaulted by a mob that took the law into its own hands instead of allowing authorities to investigate the allegations.
The prosecution contends that the accused participated in the violent attack that ultimately led to the player’s death. Police say additional suspects are still being pursued as investigations continue.
“The accused persons, together with others still at large, are alleged to have unlawfully caused the death of Sydney Gyabi Gongodyo on June 5, 2026, at Upper Naguru East Road,” a source familiar with the investigations said.
The arrests and subsequent murder charges represent an important step in efforts to hold those responsible accountable. However, authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that more arrests are expected as detectives continue gathering evidence and identifying other individuals who may have participated in the incident.
Police have indicated that they are determined to ensure that everyone connected to the killing is brought before the courts.
“We remain committed to ensuring that all individuals connected to this crime are identified, arrested and brought before the courts of law,” the source added.
The death of Gongodyo generated widespread public outrage, not only because of his status as a national rugby player but also because of the circumstances surrounding the attack. His killing has once again highlighted the dangers of mob violence, which continues to claim lives despite repeated warnings from law enforcement agencies.
Security officials have consistently cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands when dealing with suspected offenders. Authorities maintain that individuals accused of crimes should be handed over to police for investigation and prosecution through the judicial system rather than subjected to public punishment.
The case has sparked renewed debate about the prevalence of vigilante justice and the need for stronger public awareness about the consequences of participating in mob attacks. Legal experts note that individuals who join such assaults can face serious criminal charges, including murder, if the victim dies as a result of the attack.
As prosecutors prepare their case, the four accused men remain on remand awaiting further court proceedings. Under Ugandan law, murder carries severe penalties upon conviction, reflecting the seriousness of the offence.
For now, investigators continue to piece together the events that led to Gongodyo’s death while tracking down other suspects believed to have participated in the attack. The case is expected to remain under close public scrutiny as it proceeds through the justice system.
The prosecution of Mugwisa, Mondoni, Owino and Kabugo signals the beginning of what could be a broader effort to ensure accountability for the mob killing of one of Uganda’s most promising rugby players and to send a strong message against vigilante justice.
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