A dark cloud continues to hover over the sporting fraternity as many mourn the tragic passing of Sydney Gongodyo, a Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates star. The 27-year-old forward passed away on June 5 after a mob attacked him in Bukoto. Gongodyo was wrongly accused of snatching a woman’s handbag. Reports indicate that CCTV footage from the crime scene reveals he had nothing to do with the theft; he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Despite being rushed to Mulago Hospital, Gongodyo succumbed to the severe injuries he had sustained. Police have arrested several suspects in connection with the incident and investigations continue.
Days before his death, Gongodyo’s photo had graced his club’s poster for their semi-final clash with Platinum Credit Heathens which was slated for Sunday June 7th. After his passing on, the Uganda Rugby Union, through its President Mr. Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe, communicated via the union’s X platform that the game would be postponed to a later date to allow the Pirates team, fans and entire rugby community time to mourn the fallen athlete. And on 7th June, during his memorial service at King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Marvin Odongo, the Pirates Head Coach, announced that Gongodyo’s jersey, No. 7 had been retired in his honor and memory. That was how much he was loved and respected.
Sydney (far left) with teammates from the Makerere University Rugby team watch on from the bench during a home game
Syd, as many of teammates referred to him, had a remarkable rugby career right from his high school days at Namilyango College and Kings College Budo. He later joined the Makerere University Rugby team where he donned the Makerere colours at local and international tournaments branding himself as a rapid and energetic forward. He went on to be recruited to play club rugby with Stanbic Black Pirates and made multiple appearances for the national team, the Rugby Cranes.
At Stanbic Black Pirates Gongodyo was applauded for being a key figure of the pack as a loose forward and occasional second-row. He also contributed greatly to the team’s 2025 Premiership title having been among the team’s top scorers in the campaign.
Beyond the pitch, Gongodyo was a software engineer in the making, having been a student at Makerere’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS). A dedicated young father and family man, he is survived by his one-year old son whose birthday had just been celebrated a few days before the tragic incident.
Sydney speaking after a game as a player of the Stanbic Black Pirates
“Sydney had been obedient, loyal, hardworking and very disciplined. He was very respectful and everything about him represented a very decent upbringing and it is really sad that we lost an amazing brother and patriot in such a manner.” Ivan Magomu, the Pirates captain remarked during the burial ceremony.
His parents, siblings, coach, teammates, many friends and fans further eulogised him as an ambitious, loving friend, son and brother who had been heading home that day to help with family matters.
Following the public viewing and memorial at Kings Park Arena and funeral service at Senior Quarters on Bungokho Road, Mbale City, Gongodyo was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Buweri Town Council, Budadiri County, Sironko District on 9th June, the national Heroes Day.
