Former Ugandan army commander Gen. David Sejusa has issued a stark warning over rising mob justice and vigilante-style violence in Uganda, arguing that the trend is evolving into a parallel system of informal enforcement that could undermine state authority if left unchecked.
His comments come in the aftermath of the killing of Sydney Gongodyo, a rugby player who was beaten to death by a mob in Kampala’s Bukoto suburb after being accused of theft—an allegation that remains unproven.
In his reflection, Sejusa warned that the phenomenon is no longer limited to isolated incidents but is taking on a more organised and socially tolerated form.
“WHEN MOB JUSTICE TRANSITIONS INTO VIGILANTISM AND BECOMES A CORE PILLAR OF A CORRUPT STATE THAN JUST A SYMPTOM OF INSTITUTIONAL FAILURES,” he said, arguing that the trend reflects deeper governance and accountability challenges.
He added that what is unfolding in urban centres is increasingly shaped by informal actors who enforce punishment outside legal structures.
“You see MOB VIOLENCE which is growing into an ALTERNATIVE INFORMAL JUSTICE SYSTEM of sorts,” Sejusa stated, warning that such systems thrive where public trust in formal institutions weakens.
Sejusa also pointed to boda-boda operators and emerging political-linked groups, alleging that some have become involved in violent enforcement activities.
“When we look at the BODA-BODA IMPUNITY in the Country, especially in Kampala, and the Political vigilantee groups now emerging… you see something monstrous,” he said.
He further cautioned that these networks risk shifting from spontaneous violence to structured coercion.
“You see MOB VIOLENCE which is growing into an ALTERNATIVE INFORMAL JUSTICE SYSTEM of sorts,” he reiterated, warning that such developments blur the line between community enforcement and criminality.
The former general warned that continued tolerance of violent impunity could have long-term consequences for national stability.
“So, if we are not careful, this lack of PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY and the NORMALISATION OF VIOLENCE AND IMPUNITY by both those holding power and the POPULATION can wreak havoc on the country,” he said.
He argued that repeated failure to punish offenders consistently encourages escalation.
“And then can easily descend into high stakes criminality of the magnitude capable of causing the collapse of the FORMAL STATE,” Sejusa added.
Sejusa drew comparisons with countries where weakened institutions have allowed armed groups or criminal networks to dominate parts of public life.
“In those situations, the Country SECURITY SERVICES become compromised and you get situations like we see in Nigeria where the Population is at the mercy of armed militias,” he said.
He also referenced other contexts to underline the risks of prolonged instability.
“South Africa where armed bandits patrol streets; saw it in CAR, etc. And if uncontrolled, then you can get a HAITI, A COLOMBIA,” he warned.
Despite his warnings, Sejusa emphasized that the solution lies in both enforcement and structural reform.
“So we need to be tough on these groups but also address the underlying causes,” he said.
He urged authorities to strengthen policing, restore public trust in the justice system, and address economic and social pressures that drive citizens toward vigilantism.
The killing of Gongodyo has intensified scrutiny of mob violence in Kampala, with police holding several suspects as investigations continue