The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been directed to present a report to Parliament detailing the circumstances surrounding the increasing incidents of mob justice across the country.
The directive was issued by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja following concerns raised by Members of Parliament over the death of rugby player Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi, who was killed in a mob justice incident in Kampala on Friday, 5 June 2026, after being accused of theft.
Gyabi was a player for Uganda’s national rugby team and the Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Football Club.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, Nabbanja strongly condemned mob justice and pledged government action to curb the growing trend. She cited a recent case in Kakumiro District where a coffee middleman was killed by an angry mob over allegations of theft.
“On behalf of government, I want to commit that we shall, using the police, security agencies, and intelligence, ensure that we stamp out this act of mob justice. The culprits should be brought to book,” Nabbanja said.
She directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to prepare a comprehensive report for parliamentary debate.
According to Hon. Andrew Ojok (NRM, Omoro County), who raised the matter as one of national importance, the 2023 police crime report recorded 1,039 deaths linked to mob justice, while 1,019 people lost their lives under similar circumstances in 2024.
“We must condemn mob justice in the strongest terms. I pray that the Minister for Internal Affairs gives us a report within seven days on the status of investigations. Out of over 4,000 such cases, only about 1,000 are processed to their logical conclusion,” Ojok said.
Ojok also called on government to explain police response times during such emergencies, arguing that delayed intervention often leaves victims vulnerable.
He cited the death of Gyabi, saying videos circulating online showed the rugby player being treated as guilty before any lawful process had taken place.
“We want a strategy from the police and government on what they intend to do to prevent such incidents in future,” he added.
Budadiri County East MP, Hon. Julius Nakiyi, urged government to expedite prosecution of suspects involved in mob justice incidents through swift and public court proceedings.
“This House should urge government to ensure a fair and speedy trial of the suspects, similar to what happened in Ggaba following the killing of children,” Nakiyi said.
Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth also reflected on a tragic incident in Iganga District where three individuals were lynched on suspicion of kidnapping a young man who had disappeared from his father’s home.
“After a few days, it emerged that the young man was living with his long-lost mother. How do you administer justice to those who killed innocent people?” Oboth questioned, noting that some suspects were later sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Meanwhile, Parliament also called on government to repatriate Ugandans stranded in South Africa following xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu County South) said many Ugandans had sought refuge at Uganda’s High Commission in Pretoria while seeking travel documents to return home.
“The Office of the Prime Minister and relevant ministries should engage leaders of the Ugandan community in South Africa to establish the situation on the ground. The High Commission should also facilitate travel documents for those willing to return,” Kirumira said.
In response, Prime Minister Nabbanja assured Parliament that Uganda’s mission in Pretoria was closely monitoring the safety of Ugandans.
“I condemn this act because we are all Africans. Government will provide an update to this House on the interventions undertaken and whether we can repatriate our people as soon as possible,” Nabbanja said.
