Police Vow Crackdown On Mob Justice After Rugby Player’s Lynching

By Ben Musanje

Police have issued a stern warning against mob justice following the lynching of Ugandan rugby player Sydney Gogongodyo, saying those involved in the killing will be tracked down and prosecuted.

The warning comes as investigations into Gogongodyo’s death continue, with police confirming that three suspects have already been arrested while efforts to identify and apprehend other participants in the attack remain ongoing.

The rugby player was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Upper Naguru Community Village in Bukoto I Parish, Nakawa Division, after being accused of snatching a handbag from a woman.

Speaking during the weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said there could be no justification whatsoever for taking the law into one’s own hands, regardless of the allegations against a suspect.

He emphasized that whether Gogongodyo had committed an offence or not was irrelevant, arguing that members of the public should have handed him over to law enforcement authorities instead of assaulting him.

Kituuma described mob justice as a serious moral and societal problem that extends beyond the boda boda sector, noting that similar incidents occur in markets and communities where motorcycle operators are not involved.

He rejected suggestions that public mistrust in police and other law enforcement agencies could justify mob action, pointing out that the criminal justice system has a proven record of investigating suspects and securing convictions where sufficient evidence exists.

According to the 2025 Annual Police Crime Report, Uganda recorded 4,280 homicide cases, of which 950 were attributed to mob justice, representing 22 percent of all killings reported during the year.

Kituuma said the figures highlighted a worrying trend that required a broader national conversation involving families, religious institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address declining moral values and growing intolerance.

He warned that anyone participating in mob violence risks facing criminal charges and severe penalties upon conviction.

Police have since appealed to the public to always report suspected criminals to authorities and allow investigations and prosecutions to take their lawful course.

Kituuma maintained that security agencies would not tolerate mob justice and would continue pursuing all individuals linked to such incidents regardless of their role in the attacks. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).