Rugby fraternity unites in walk against mob justice to honour Gongodyo

The Ugandan rugby fraternity on Saturday staged a unified stand against mob justice during a memorial walk held in honour of the late Sydney Gongodyo, a Stanbic Black Pirates and Uganda Rugby Cranes player who was killed in a mob attack in Bukoto last month.

Held under the theme “Sydney Is Me: Stop Mob Action,” the walk drew hundreds of rugby players, coaches, fans, administrators, corporate partners and members of the public. The procession started at Kampala Rugby Grounds and proceeded through the city to Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, home of Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club.

Participants carried placards with messages such as “Every Life Matters,” “Justice, Not Violence,” and “Stop Mob Action,” calling for an end to mob justice, a vice that continues to claim lives across the country.

Speaking at the event, Stanbic Black Pirates head coach Mervin Odongo described Gongodyo as a dedicated and humble player whose character made him a role model.

“Sydney was more than a rugby player. He was family. He represented discipline, resilience and selflessness every time he stepped onto the field. Today, we are not only mourning a teammate but sending a clear message that no Ugandan should lose their life to mob justice. Justice belongs to the courts, not to angry crowds,” Odongo said.

Journalist Moses Echodu, who is also executive director of the Uganda Child Cancer Foundation, urged communities to adopt peaceful ways of resolving disputes.

“Rugby teaches respect, discipline and teamwork. These are the same values we want society to embrace. Sydney’s death is a painful reminder that mob justice destroys lives, families and communities. We call upon every Ugandan to reject violence and allow the law to take its course,” he said.

Stanbic Bank Uganda, a long standing supporter of rugby in the country, joined the fraternity in honouring Gongodyo’s legacy and advocating for safer communities.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, marketing manager Diana Kahunde reaffirmed Stanbic’s commitment to promoting unity, justice and community development.

“For 35 years, Stanbic Bank has stood alongside Ugandans in driving growth and building stronger communities. Today, we stand with the rugby fraternity to honour Sydney’s memory and remind everyone that every life matters. Together, we can build a society where disagreements are resolved peacefully and justice is left to the institutions mandated to uphold it,” Kahunde said.

The walk also attracted ordinary rugby enthusiasts who turned up in large numbers to show solidarity with Gongodyo’s family and teammates.

Daniel Abaasa, one of the participants, said the campaign should inspire Ugandans to rethink how they respond to crime and suspicion.

“Sydney’s story could have been anyone’s story. That is why I joined this walk. Mob justice has no winners. It only leaves families grieving. I hope today’s message reaches every Ugandan that no one has the right to take another person’s life,” Abaasa said.

Throughout the procession, participants chanted “Sydney Is Me,” symbolising that anyone could fall victim to mob violence. The campaign aims to spark a broader national conversation on the dangers of mob justice while encouraging citizens to trust the country’s justice system.

The event concluded with a candle light tribute and a minute of silence in Gongodyo’s memory, as participants pledged to continue advocating for justice, compassion and respect for human life.

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