IBANDA – A police officer was brutally killed by a mob during a funeral in Ibanda District, Uganda, sparking widespread condemnation and a swift police response. The incident occurred on April 6, 2025, when Police Constable Chemonges Suleiman, attached to Bisheshe Police Station, was deployed to provide security at the burial of Kahangire Lazarus, who had died in custody at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
The mob, fueled by anger over PC Chemonges’ alleged involvement in Kahangire’s arrest and detention, attacked the officer at around 2:00 PM in Kambogo Cell, Bisheshe Division. Despite firing warning shots to protect himself, PC Chemonges was overwhelmed and killed. The police recovered an SMG rifle with 16 rounds of ammunition from the scene and transported the officer’s body to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for a postmortem examination.
“We condemn this violent act in the strongest possible terms,” said Samson Kusasira, Rwizi Police Spokesperson. “We urge the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report crimes through proper channels.”
The police have arrested 29 suspects connected to the murder, with efforts ongoing to apprehend additional perpetrators.
“We are committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous crime are held accountable,” added Kusasira. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities promising further arrests as they continue to pursue those responsible for the crime. The police are working to identify and apprehend two additional individuals who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
