Ugandan Rugby Mourns Rugby Cranes Forward Sydney Gongodyo

Ugandan rugby is in mourning following the death of Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo, an incident that has led to the postponement of this weekend’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final between Black Pirates and Heathens.

Gongodyo, 27, a Makerere University student, died on Friday evening after sustaining injuries in a mob attack in Kampala that is now under police investigation for murder.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed that a case of murder by mob action was registered at Kira Road Police Station following an incident that occurred at around 2pm in Masulira Zone, Bukuto Parish, Nakawa Division. Police responded to the scene and rushed Gongodyo to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he passed away at about 7pm.

Kawala said investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to identify and arrest those involved so they can face justice.

Police have not revealed what triggered the violence, although unverified social media reports suggest that Gongodyo may have been involved in a road accident shortly before the attack and was allegedly assaulted by boda boda riders and members of the public as he tried to explain the situation. Authorities have not confirmed these claims.

The news has sent shockwaves through the rugby fraternity. Uganda Rugby Union (URU) president Godwin Kayangwe described Gongodyo’s death as a huge loss to the sport, saying he had “served Uganda with honour, discipline, and exceptional commitment” through his contributions to Black Pirates and the Rugby Cranes.

Kayangwe announced the postponement of Sunday’s semifinal, the observance of a moment of silence before all sanctioned matches this weekend, and the wearing of black armbands by national team players and officials in upcoming fixtures. URU also said it will work with Black Pirates and Gongodyo’s family to give him a dignified farewell.

A key member of the Pirates forward pack, Gongodyo featured in the club’s 2025 Premiership title-winning campaign and travelled with the squad for last week’s Enterprise Cup final against Kabras Sugar in Nairobi. He had also become a regular player for the Rugby Cranes in the fifteen-a-side format.

A new date for the postponed semifinal is yet to be confirmed as police investigations continue.