Bugisu Cultural Institution Demands Public Trial Over Killing of Rugby Player Gongodyo

The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to order a public trial similar to the historic “Okello-style” proceedings for suspects accused in the brutal mob killing of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo.

Masiga made the remarks following the death of Gongodyo, a rugby player and student at Makerere University, who was allegedly beaten to death by an angry mob in Kampala on June 5th after being accused of snatching a woman’s handbag.

According to police reports, several suspects connected to the incident have since been arrested and are currently in police custody pending further investigations.

Speaking on behalf of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Masiga described the incident as painful, shocking, and unacceptable, noting that the institution views any attack against a Mugisu as an attack against the entire Bamasaba community.

“As a cultural institution, an attack on any Umumasaaba is considered an attack on the whole community. We cannot fold our arms while our people are murdered in cold blood by sections of the public acting outside the law,” Masiga said.

He called upon the government to organize a public trial at the exact location where Gongodyo was allegedly lynched, arguing that such proceedings would serve as a lesson to the public about the dangers of mob justice and impulsive reactions.

Masiga emphasized that Uganda’s Constitution under Article 28(3)(a) clearly states that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

“In Uganda, the law is very clear. An accused person remains innocent until proven guilty. What happened to Gongodyo was unlawful and barbaric,” he added.

Gongodyo was a respected rugby player who had travelled widely through sports and was serving as a team captain in Uganda’s rugby circles. His death has generated widespread grief among family, friends, fellow athletes, and members of the Bamasaba community.

He leaves behind two children. The deceased is also the son of Mr. James Gyabi, a former Resident State Attorney who served in Gulu and Jinja. The family hails from Sironko District in eastern Uganda.

Masiga revealed that emotions within the Bamasaba community remain high following the incident, with many community members demanding justice for the slain athlete.

“The Bamasaba are burning with rage and anger over this incident. Government must ensure justice is done openly so that society learns the dangers of mob justice,” he said.

He further suggested that beyond criminal prosecution, the suspects should face heavy compensation demands through culturally acceptable mechanisms of dispute resolution.

Masiga controversially referenced the “lex talionis” principle, commonly interpreted as “an eye for an eye,” arguing that severe punishment would deter future incidents of mob violence.

Human rights activists and legal experts have repeatedly condemned mob justice in Uganda, warning that such acts undermine the rule of law and frequently result in innocent people losing their lives without due process.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gongodyo’s death as preparations for his burial get underway in Sironko District, where he is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow.

The tragic killing has once again reignited national debate about mob justice, public anger, and the urgent need for communities to allow law enforcement agencies and courts to handle criminal allegations rather than resorting to violence.