A police officer attached to Bisheshe Police Station in Ibanda District was tragically killed over the weekend by an irate mob while on duty, according to police authorities.
The deceased, identified as Police Constable Chemonges Suleiman, aged 28, was attacked and killed while providing security at the funeral of Kahangire Lazarus, an inmate who had recently died at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed that PC Chemonges was performing his duties when a violent mob launched the fatal attack.
“The police strongly condemn this senseless act of violence, in which an irate mob attacked police officers. PC Chemonges Suleiman, a 28-year-old officer with Bisheshe Police Station, was tragically killed while guarding the funeral of inmate Kahangire Lazarus,” Kasasira said in a statement
In response to the attack, the police swiftly arrived at the scene, recovering an SMG rifle and 16 rounds of ammunition that had been in the officer’s possession. The body of the slain officer was later transferred to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for a postmortem.
Kasasira assured the public that a full investigation is underway and emphasized that those responsible for the brutal attack will be brought to justice.
“We want to assure the public that all suspects involved in this criminal act shall be arrested and held accountable,” Kasasira stated.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesman, revealed that 29 suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder, with further efforts underway to apprehend additional perpetrators.
“The Uganda Police Force condemns this violent act and assures the public that all involved will face justice,” Rusoke added.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of officers on duty and the increasing threats faced during security assignments, particularly in high-tension environments such as funerals of inmates or victims of controversial circumstances.
