Rugby Star's Killing Highlights State-Sanctioned Lawlessness: ULS Boss

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has voiced strong condemnation over the brutal murder of national rugby player Sidney Gongodyo, pointing fingers at pervasive state-backed lawlessness and a crumbling judiciary for the rising tide of mob justice.

In a missive to the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde characterized Gongodyo’s death as a “painful symptom” of a society losing faith in established legal processes. Gongodyo, a key player for the national 15s team and the Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club, was tragically beaten to death by a mob in Bukoto, Kampala, on June 5, 2026.

Ssemakadde lamented the loss of the athlete, who was remembered as a dedicated family man with aspirations of leading the national team. “His senseless killing is a painful reminder of the growing dangers of mob violence in a society increasingly losing faith in lawful processes,” Ssemakadde stated on behalf of the Radical New Bar Governing Council.

He argued that such acts of mob justice do not occur in isolation, criticizing the government for creating an environment conducive to vigilantism. According to Ssemakadde, increased state-sponsored violence, a weakening judiciary, and a lack of civic education empower citizens to take the law into their own hands. “This tragedy demands that our two fraternities mount a joint campaign against all forms of lawlessness, especially those driven or enabled by the state, which is the most powerful teacher and role model for citizens,” he urged.

Drawing parallels to legal principles, Ssemakadde warned that when a government disregards the law, it fosters a climate where individuals feel justified in acting outside legal boundaries, leading to anarchy.

Highlighting a perceived disconnect, Ssemakadde also criticized President Museveni’s recent State of the Nation Address for its apparent lack of focus on the rule of law, particularly in light of ongoing actions against opposition figures and excessive force by security agencies. This consistent impunity, he believes, sends a message that “might makes right.”

The ULS President has called upon the Uganda Rugby Union and the broader sports community to unite in memory of Gongodyo, advocating for a collective stand against lawlessness and demanding accountability for such acts.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)