Parliament Seeks Action on Mob Justice Following Rugby Star's Death

The escalating problem of mob justice in Uganda has come under intense scrutiny in Parliament, following the brutal killing of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi. Gyabi, a prominent figure for the national rugby team and the Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Football Club, was killed on June 5, 2026, in Kampala on suspicion of theft.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to prepare a comprehensive report for Parliament detailing the circumstances surrounding mob justice incidents. “The culprits should be brought to book. I want to direct that the Ministry of Internal Affairs comes with a report so that we have this debated at length,” Nabbanja stated, condemning the act and vowing government action to stamp out the practice.

Concerns were amplified by Omoro County MP Andrew Ojok, who cited alarming crime statistics. In 2023, over 1,000 lives were lost to mob justice, with a similar figure in 2024. Ojok highlighted the low conviction rate, with only about a quarter of the thousands of cases reaching a logical conclusion, and questioned the police’s response times.

The Speaker, Jacob Marksons Oboth, shared an anecdote from Iganga District where three individuals were lynched over a suspected kidnapping, only for the missing person to reappear days later with their mother. He questioned the adequacy of sentences for perpetrators of such violent acts.

MPs are urging for swift and fair trials for those involved in mob justice incidents, similar to expedited processes seen in other cases. The call is for a clear strategy from the police and government to prevent future occurrences and ensure justice is served through the proper legal channels, not vigilantism.

Source: Parliament of Uganda