The main suspect in the death of Uganda Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo has been arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.

Mugwisa Obed, who is clearly seen in a widely circulated video clip repeatedly striking Sydney during the alleged mob attack, was arrested and handed over to Kira Road Police Station. His arrest comes as investigations into the killing continue to gather momentum.

Gongodyo succumbed to his injuries at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he had been rushed by police officers who responded to the scene. He had been attacked in Nakawa Division by members of the public who accused him of snatching a woman’s handbag, according to preliminary investigations. However, police say the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala revealed that Kira Road Police had arrested five more people in connection with the death.

The suspects were identified as Ssebagala Noordin, Ayebazibwe Roden, Namukose Juliet, Mondoni Elly, Twinomujuni Herbert, Katsigazi Perigrino, Tayebwa Darlious, and Tugume Hannington.

Kawala confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify, trace, and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the incident. “Uganda Police Force remains committed to ensuring that all those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.

Gongodyo was laid to rest on Tuesday, June 9, at Buweri Town Council in Budadiri County, Sironko District.