Tragedy struck in Ibanda District over the weekend when a police officer, PC Chemonges Suleiman, was brutally murdered by a mob while on duty at a funeral in Kambogo Cell, Bisheshe Division.
According to Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda Police Spokesman on Monday, Chemonges, who was attached to Bisheshe Police Station, had been deployed to provide security at the burial of Kahangire Lazarus. Kahangire, who had been on remand at Nyabuhikye Government Prison on charges of attempted murder, died while in custody.
However, what was meant to be a routine deployment turned deadly when mourners turned on the officer, accusing him of involvement in Kahangire’s arrest and detention. The attack occurred at around 2:00 PM on April 6, 2025.
Despite firing warning shots and attempting to defend himself, Chemonges was overwhelmed by the mob. He was fatally assaulted before police backup could intervene. Officers later recovered an SMG rifle and 16 rounds of ammunition from the scene. His body was taken to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for postmortem.
Kituuma reveals that police have since arrested 29 suspects linked to the mob violence and announced that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attack.
Kituuma condemned the incident, assuring the public that justice will be served.
“We condemn this violent act and assure the public that all those involved in this criminal act will be held accountable,” he said
The murder of PC Chemonges has sparked outrage and concern over rising mob justice incidents, with authorities warning that such acts not only obstruct justice but also endanger the lives of law enforcement officers tasked with maintaining order.