By Kumakech Sam KUSAJA, Social Policy Analyst.

The recent killing of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo through mob action is a tragic reminder of the growing threat of mob justice in Uganda.

While communities are often frustrated by crime and delays in the justice system, taking the law into one's own hands can never be justified. Mob violence undermines the rule of law and often results in the death of innocent people who may be wrongly accused.

Uganda continues to record alarming levels of mob justice. Police statistics show that more than 1,000 people were killed through mob action in both 2023 and 2024, while nearly 950 mob-related deaths were recorded in 2025. Nationally, over 3,700 people have lost their lives to mob violence since 2021,making it one of the country's most persistent forms of unlawful homicide.

The West Nile sub-region has not been spared. Recent police reports indicate that dozens of mob justice deaths were recorded in the region in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for communities to reject vigilante actions and support lawful justice processes.

Mob justice is often fueled by anger, misinformation, fear, and mistrust of legal institutions. However, violence does not deliver justice.

Instead, it destroys evidence, violates human rights, and denies suspects their constitutional right to a fair hearing.

I therefore appeal to the people of Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Arua, and the wider West Nile region to report suspects to the police and relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence.

Community leaders, religious,Cultural institutions, and security agencies must work together to promote awareness, strengthen community policing, and rebuild public confidence in the justice system.

A peaceful and law-abiding society can only thrive when justice is delivered through legal and transparent processes.

Let us condemn mob justice, protect human dignity, and uphold the rule of law. Every person deserves a fair hearing, and justice must never be administered through violence.