KAMPALA, Uganda — Security operatives have arrested a boda boda rider identified as Obed Mugwiisa, the man allegedly captured in viral video footage striking Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo with a large wooden log during the mob attack that led to the rugby star’s death.
The arrest was made on Tuesday, the same day family members, teammates, friends and hundreds of mourners gathered in Sironko District to lay the 27-year-old rugby player to rest.
Mugwiisa, popularly known as Obed, had reportedly gone into hiding after videos and photographs from the June 5 attack near Frobel Stage in Bukoto circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for justice.
Confirming the arrest, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma posted a photograph of the suspect on X, accompanied by the brief message: “We have him.”
Images taken after the arrest showed the suspect seated inside a security vehicle with his hands restrained. In another photograph, he appeared seated on a sack with his head bowed as residents and security personnel looked on.
Number of suspects rises to nine
Mugwiisa’s arrest brings the number of suspects in custody in connection with Gongodyo’s killing to nine.
Earlier, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala announced the arrest of five additional suspects as investigators intensified efforts to identify those involved in the fatal assault.
The suspects currently in custody are:
- Noordin Ssebagala
- Roden Ayebazibwe
- Juliet Namukose
- Elly Mondoni
- Herbert Twinomujuni
- Perigrino Katsigazi
- Darlious Tayebwa
- Hannington Tugume
- Obed Mugwiisa
Police say investigations remain ongoing and additional arrests are expected as detectives continue reviewing CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings and witness statements.
Viral footage fuels public anger
Mugwiisa is alleged to be the individual seen in widely circulated footage carrying a large wooden log and striking Gongodyo during the assault near Frobel Stage in Bukoto.
The impact reportedly knocked the rugby player to the ground before members of the crowd continued beating and kicking him.
The footage has become one of the most widely shared pieces of evidence in the case and has intensified calls for accountability from Uganda’s rugby community and human rights advocates.
Family insists Gongodyo was innocent
According to the rugby player’s family, CCTV footage reviewed after the incident shows Gongodyo was not involved in the theft allegations that triggered the mob attack.
Speaking during a memorial service at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Gongodyo’s father said the violence began after unidentified thieves allegedly snatched a woman’s handbag and fled on a motorcycle.
As the victim raised an alarm, members of the public reportedly mistook Gongodyo—who was crossing the road at the time—for one of the suspects.
Also Read: Sydney Gongodyo was innocent in fatal mob attack, family says
Video clips later circulated online showing the national rugby player pleading for his innocence as he was assaulted by the crowd.
He was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Death reignites debate over mob justice
Gongodyo’s death has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s sporting fraternity and reignited concerns about the persistence of mob justice despite repeated warnings from authorities.
The former Makerere University student was widely respected within Uganda’s rugby circles and had represented both the Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates.
As mourners gathered in Sironko District to bid him farewell, news of Mugwiisa’s arrest spread rapidly across the rugby community, with many describing it as a significant step toward accountability.
Police have urged the public to allow investigations to proceed and reiterated that all individuals implicated in the attack will be pursued and brought before the courts.
