On 5 June 2026 at approximately 2:00 p.m., Police registered a case of murder by mob action in Nakawa Division, Kampala City.
The deceased has been identified as Sidney Gongondyo, a 27-year-old professional rugby player and resident of Busibanti Zone, Najjera, Wakiso District.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was allegedly attacked and severely assaulted by a group of boda boda riders and other members of the public on suspicion of theft.
Police officers responded promptly to reports of the incident. Upon arrival at the scene, the victim was found critically injured but still alive. He was immediately rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A team from KMP East visited and documented the scene, and three (03) suspects have so far been arrested to assist with ongoing investigations.
The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns all acts of mob justice. Such actions are unlawful, undermine the rule of law, and often result in the loss of innocent lives.
We urge members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances. Where a suspect is apprehended, they should be handed over to the nearest police station or relevant authorities without being subjected to torture, assault, or any other form of harm.
The public is reminded that participation in mob action constitutes a serious criminal offence and may attract charges, including murder.
We further caution the public against joining lynch mobs, as some individuals exploit such situations to settle personal grievances or target innocent persons under the guise of administering justice.
The Uganda Police Force has consistently warned the public against mob justice. In 2025 alone, a total of 950 cases of murder by mob action were registered out of 4,238 homicide cases, representing 22.4% of all homicides reported during the year.
The Force issued public warnings against mob justice on:
– 19 August 2024;
– 5 November 2024; and
– Various occasions through official communication platforms.
Despite these warnings, incidents continue to occur. Notably, on 5 December 2024, Jacob Akankwasa, an employee of Kyambogo University, was murdered by a mob near the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo.
Investigations into the current case are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
ACP Kituuma Rusoke
PRO-UPF
