Our Reporter | Mbale City — The Bugisu Cultural Institution has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to order a public trial for the suspects accused of killing rugby player and Makerere University student Gongodyo, who died after being subjected to mob justice in Kampala on June 5.
Speaking on behalf of the institution, spokesperson Steven Masiga said the Bamasaba community was deeply saddened and angered by the incident, describing the attack on Gongodyo as an attack on the entire community.
“As a cultural institution, we consider an attack on any Mumasaba to be an attack on the entire Bamasaba community,” Masiga said.
According to police records, the suspects linked to Gongodyo’s death have already been arrested and are in police custody awaiting prosecution.
Gongodyo, a student at Makerere University and a prominent rugby player, reportedly captained a rugby team in Uganda and had represented the sport in various competitions both locally and internationally. He leaves behind two children.
He was the son of James Gyabi, a former Resident State Attorney who served in Gulu and Jinja. The family hails from Sironko District.
Masiga called on the government to conduct an open and transparent trial, similar to other high-profile criminal proceedings, arguing that it would help deter mob justice and educate the public about the consequences of taking the law into their own hands.
“We want people to understand the dangers of impulsive reactions and mob justice. Justice must be seen to be done,” he said.
He further stated that the Bugisu Cultural Institution would continue to monitor the case closely and advocate for justice on behalf of the deceased and his family.
The spokesperson emphasized that under Article 28(3)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
Burial arrangements are underway, with Gongodyo expected to be laid to rest in Sironko District later this week.
The killing has reignited concerns about the increasing incidents of mob justice in Uganda, with leaders and human rights advocates repeatedly calling for stronger public awareness and adherence to the rule of law.
