By Felix Biryomumaisho 

IBANDA - UGANDA: A 28-year-old police officer, PC Chemonges Suleiman, was brutally lynched by a mob while on duty at a funeral in Ibanda District on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The incident occurred during the burial of Kahangire Lazarus, an inmate who died while in custody at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.

Kahangire Lazarus was a remandee in a case of attempted murder, which stemmed from a land dispute between the family of Mbabazi Vincent and his brothers. The case was registered under file number IBD CRB 849/2023. PC Chemonges Suleiman was deployed to provide security at the funeral

According to eyewitnesses, PC Chemonges Suleiman arrived at the funeral ahead of his colleagues and was immediately attacked by a mob, believed to be relatives of the deceased inmate. The attackers accused the police of being responsible for Kahangire's death while in custody.

A team of officers from Ibanda Central Police Station, led by ASP Kansiime Duncan, responded to the scene and fully documented the crime. An SMG rifle, serial number UG POL 563619069, with 16 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene. PC Chemonges Suleiman's body was taken to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary pending a postmortem examination

The Rwizi Region Police spokesperson, ASP Samson Kasasira, condemned the act of mob justice and emphasized its dangerous repercussions. He called on community members to seek lawful conflict resolution. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and authorities vow to bring the perpetrators to justice