Mob action is not concerning until it victimises someone in your circle of life. The troubling news of the murder of rugby star Sydney Gongodyo, shook the sports fraternity and rugby enthusiasts within Kampala and beyond.
He was reportedly attacked by a mob and beaten to death after he was accused of snatching a woman’s handbag. A troubling video of the incident showed a group of people beating up Gongodyo.
Some were seen using their phones to capture the moment. Police arrived at the scene to rescue the victim, but he was later pronounced dead at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The shocking news was followed by the postponement of Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final between Black Pirates and Heathens.
Gongodyo was a student at Makerere University; he played for Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates as a forward.
He is remembered as an exceptional, committed and disciplined person who featured for the Pirates’ 2025 Premiership title win, and travelled with the squad for last week’s Enterprise Cup final against Kabras Sugar in Nairobi, Kenya.
His death is another moment of reflection on the dangers of mob action and the relevance of apprehending suspects and handing them over to responsible authorities.
Mob action involves communities taking the law into their hands, often resulting in unlawful punishment, including beatings, stoning, or even death.
In Gulu, a few years ago, a teacher was murdered by a group of boda boda riders on allegations of being a motorcycle thief.
It was later established that the victim was dating the sister of one of the boda boda riders, who did not approve of the relationship and instead incited his colleagues against his-would be in-law, leading to his death.
I believe people who frame others will never have a clear conscience, especially if their victims are killed.
In many cases, the police and the Judiciary have been on the spot for fuelling mob actions due to the lack of trust in them.
People accuse police of slow response to crime scenes, delayed arrests and lack of follow-up, yet police attribute this to limited understanding of the justice system and its procedures.
Law enforcement also faults the Judiciary, arguing that the release of suspects on bail often frustrates communities.
Who will be next if this is not addressed? Mob action is a quick solution to suspected criminal cases until you (or someone you know) are the victim.
There is urgent need to conduct community policing through law enforcement organs, swift responses to crime scenes, thorough investigations and punishment of those implicated to rebuild trust.