Ugandan rugby has been thrown into mourning following the death of Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo, prompting the postponement of this weekend’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi final between Black Pirates and Heathens.
Gongodyo, 27, a student at Makerere University died on Friday evening after sustaining injuries in a mob attack in Kampala that is now the subject of a police murder investigation.
Mob violence
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed that a case of murder by mob action was registered at Kira Road Police Station following an incident at approximately 2pm in Masulira Zone, Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division. Officers responded to the scene and rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at around 7pm.
‘Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved so that they can be brought to justice,’ Kawala said.
Police have not disclosed what triggered the violence, though unverified accounts circulating on social media suggest Gongodyo may have been involved in a road accident shortly before the attack and was set upon by boda boda riders and a section of members of the public as he attempted to explain the situation. Authorities have not confirmed these claims.
Served with honour
The news sent shockwaves through the rugby community. URU president Godwin Kayangwe described the death as a monumental loss to the sport, saying Gongodyo had ‘served Uganda with honour, discipline, and exceptional commitment’ through his contributions to Black Pirates and the Rugby Cranes.
Kayangwe directed that Sunday’s semifinal be postponed, that a moment of silence be observed before all sanctioned matches this Saturday and that national team players and officials wear black armbands in forthcoming fixtures. URU said it will work with Black Pirates and the Gongodyo family to ensure a befitting send-off.
A reliable presence in the Pirates forward pack, Gongodyo featured in the club’s 2025 Premiership title win and travelled with the squad for last week’s Enterprise Cup final against Kabras Sugar in Nairobi. He had also established himself as a regular for the Rugby Cranes at the XV-a-side level. A new date for the postponed semifinal is yet to be confirmed. Police investigations remain ongoing.