Police have arrested over 29 suspects accused of participating in the mob justice that killed a police officer identified as Chemonges Suleiman in Ibanda Municipality on April 6th, 2025, Sunday.
This was confirmed by the police spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
“We have since arrested 29 suspects connected to the murder and are continuing with the search for additional perpetrators. The Uganda Police Force condemns this violent act and assures the public that all those involved in this criminal act will be held accountable.
A burial in Ibanda Municipality turned deadly on Sunday when mourners attacked and killed a police officer, Suleiman Chemonges, over a simmering land conflict involving the deceased’s family.
Chemonges, 28, was attached to Bisheshe Police Station and had been deployed to guard the funeral of Lazaro Kahangire, an inmate who died while on remand at Nyabuhikye Prison.
The incident unfolded in Kyembogo Cell, Kalangala Parish, Bisheshe Division, where mourners accused Chemonges of siding with a wealthy local businessman, Vincent Mbabazi, who is also Kahangire’s uncle.
Mbabazi allegedly had a long-standing land dispute with Kahangire’s family—a feud many believe led to Kahangire’s imprisonment and eventual death.
According to witnesses, tensions flared when Chemonges was recognized among the mourners.
“People were shouting and pointing fingers at him. They claimed he was the one who had been arresting members of Kahangire’s family over the contested land,” said a resident who asked not to be named.
The situation spiraled during the burial, with some attendees pelting Chemonges with stones.
In a desperate attempt to protect himself, he fired several rounds into the air, injuring two mourners in the legs.
Despite the warning shots, the mob advanced and fatally beat him. His body was later taken to the Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary.
Security forces led by Ibanda’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner Richard Banjo rushed to the scene to restore calm.
