Tragedy struck in Ibanda District on April 6 when a police officer was brutally killed by a mob during a funeral in Kambogo Cell, Bisheshe Division.
The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 29 suspects in connection with the murder.
Police Constable Chemonges Suleiman, attached to the Bisheshe Police Station, was deployed to provide security at the burial of the late Kahangire Lazarus.
Kahangire had been on remand at Nyabuhikye Government Prison on charges of attempted murder and died while in custody.
According to a statement from the Uganda Police Force, the mob turned violent at around 2:00 PM, accusing PC Chemonges of involvement in Kahangire’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Despite firing warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd and defend himself, Chemonges was overwhelmed and fatally attacked.
Police recovered an SMG rifle with 16 rounds of ammunition from the scene. The officer’s body was transported to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for postmortem examination.
Authorities have since apprehended 29 individuals linked to the attack and are continuing the hunt for others believed to have participated in the crime.
In a strongly worded statement, the Uganda Police Force condemned the mob violence, vowing that all those responsible will face justice.
“This violent act will not go unpunished,” the statement read, reassuring the public that efforts are underway to ensure accountability.
Investigations are ongoing.
