Uganda Rugby has postponed Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semifinal clash between Stanbic Black Pirates and Platinum Credit Heathens following the death of Rugby Cranes and Black Pirates player Sydney Gongodyo.
The decision was announced by Uganda Rugby President Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe in a statement issued on Saturday as the rugby fraternity mourns the untimely passing of the national team forward.
The highly anticipated semifinal, which had been scheduled for Sunday June 7, 2026, will now be played at a later date to allow players, officials and the wider rugby community to pay tribute to Gongodyo.
In addition to the postponement, Uganda Rugby has directed that a moment of silence be observed before all sanctioned matches taking place on Saturday in honour of the deceased player.
The union has also ordered all national team players and officials to wear black armbands in forthcoming fixtures as a sign of mourning and respect.
Announcing the measures, Kayangwe described Gongodyo’s death as a monumental loss to both Black Pirates Rugby Football Club and the Uganda Rugby National Team, the Rugby Cranes.
“The late Sydney Gongodyo served Uganda with honour, discipline and exceptional commitment,” Kayangwe said in the statement.
He noted that Gongodyo played a key role in Black Pirates’ recent successes and earned admiration across the rugby fraternity for his leadership, humility and dedication both on and off the field.
Uganda Rugby has pledged to work closely with Black Pirates Rugby Club and the player’s family to ensure that he is accorded a dignified send-off.
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