Written By | Peter Luzinda
Muyombya had been among the most wanted individuals in the case and was allegedly captured in videos circulating on social media taking part in the assault on the rugby player
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KAMPALA
Police have arrested a key suspect believed to have played a central role in the fatal mob assault on Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
The suspect, identified as Obed Muyombya, was arrested following an intensive police manhunt after he was linked to the brutal attack that claimed Gongodyo's life in Ntinda, Kampala, on June 5.
According to police, Muyombya had been among the most wanted individuals in the case and was allegedly captured in videos circulating on social media taking part in the assault on the rugby player during a chaotic incident in which members of the public accused Gongodyo of stealing a handbag.
Murdered: Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo
However, family members and close associates of the deceased have maintained that Gongodyo was innocent and may have been mistakenly targeted after the actual suspects reportedly fled the scene.
The Rugby Cranes player sustained severe injuries during the attack and was later pronounced dead at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson ASP Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrest, saying investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects connected to the killing.
"Police have arrested Obed Muyombya, who was among the suspects being sought in connection with the mob action that resulted in the death of Sydney Gongodyo. Investigations are continuing, and we remain committed to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice," Kawala said.
Before Muyombya's arrest, police had already detained eight suspects, namely Noordin Ssebagala, Roden Ayebazibwe, Juliet Namukose, Elly Mondoni, Herbert Twinomujuni, Perigrino Katsigazi, Darlious Tayebwa, and Hannington Tugume.
Other suspects that were arrested before Obed
Investigators say they are relying on CCTV footage, eyewitness testimony, and videos shared online to reconstruct the events leading to Gongodyo's death and establish the role played by each suspect.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from sports leaders, politicians, human rights activists, and members of the public, who have described the incident as a tragic example of the dangers of mob justice.
The Uganda Rugby Union paid tribute to Gongodyo, describing him as a disciplined and dedicated player who was passionate about the development of rugby in Uganda.
CCTV Cameras captured Obed among the mob
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang called for the swift prosecution of all suspects involved, urging the public to allow law enforcement agencies and the courts to handle criminal allegations rather than taking the law into their own hands.
The incident has reignited debate over the growing cases of mob justice in Uganda, with civil society organizations calling for stronger enforcement of the law and increased public awareness on the consequences of vigilante violence.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
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