Kira Road Police has in custody two men and one woman in connection with the death of Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward, Sydney Gongodyo who succumbed to injuries on Friday evening, following an alleged mob attack in Nakawa division.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Racheal Kawala, the suspects have been identified as Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden and Namukose Juliet.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was allegedly subjected to mob action by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation” she said.
Kawala noted that Police officers responded promptly to the scene and rushed the victim to Mulago National Referral Hospital for emergency medical treatment, sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7:00 p.m.
She further revealed that the three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
27 year old Sydney, a resident of Najjera in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District was also a student at Makerere University.
He played a pivotal role in the Black Pirates team that won both the Uganda Rugby Premiership and Uganda Cup last season.
The late Sydney was also part of the Pirates side that played Kenyan side Kabras Sugar Rugby Club, in the Enterprise Cup Finals at RFUEA Ngong Grounds Last weekend.
The Uganda Rugby Union has since postponed the Sunday Premiership semi final against Heathens on Sunday, in which Sydney was lined up to part in, his sudden demise has left the Ugandan rugby fraternity in mourning.
Burial Arrangements
The funeral arrangements for Gongodyo have been announced by A Plus Funeral Management on behalf of his family.
According to the programme, body viewing will be held on Sunday, June 7, at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The body will thereafter be transported to Senior Quarters on Bungokho Road in Mbale City, where a vigil will commence at 6:00 pm.
On Monday, June 8, a funeral service will be held at Senior Quarters starting at 11:00 am, after which the body will proceed to Sironko District for an overnight vigil scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Gongodyo will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 9, at Buweri Town Council in Budadiri County, Sironko District.
A Plus Funeral Management said the arrangements are being conducted on behalf of the family of James Gyabi and Nancy Kakai of Mbale City.
