A police officer attached to Bisheshe Police Station in Ibanda District was 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 reportedly attacked and killed while providing security at the funeral of Kahangire Lazarus, an inmate who had died at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
According to Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, PC Chemonges was performing his duties when a mob turned violent and launched the fatal attack.
“The Police has strongly condemned the senseless act of violence, where an irate mob attacked police officers. PC Chemonges Suleiman, a 28-year-old police officer attached to Bisheshe Police Station, was tragically killed by a mob while guarding the funeral of inmate Kahangire Lazarus,” Kasasira said in a statement.
Police promptly responded to the scene of the incident, 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 postmortem.
Kasasira emphasized that a full investigation is underway and vowed that those responsible for the brutal attack will face justice.
“We want to assure the public that all suspects involved in the criminal act shall be arrested and brought to book,” he said.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesman, said: “We have since arrested 29 suspects connected to the murder and 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.”
This incident has sparked concern over the safety of officers on duty and the growing threats faced during security assignments, especially in high-tension environments such as funerals of inmates or victims of controversial circumstances.