A burial in Ibanda Municipality turned deadly on Sunday when mourners attacked and killed a police officer, Suleiman Chemonges, over a 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 recognised 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 spiralled 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 Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary.
Security forces led by Ibanda’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner Richard Banjo rushed to the scene to restore calm.
Banjo condemned the killing in strong terms, describing it as a breakdown of lawful conduct.
“It is unfortunate and unacceptable for citizens to take the law into their own hands,” Banjo told mourners.
“The officer was a government employee who came here in his personal capacity, but above all, he was here to maintain peace and order.”
He urged the community to allow the investigation process to unfold.
“We call upon the family members and the entire community to trust the process. The government will conduct thorough investigations to establish the facts and ensure justice is served,” he added.
Police spokesperson for the Rwizi region, SP Samson Kasasira, confirmed that Chemonges’ rifle, an SMG, was recovered at the scene with 16 rounds of ammunition.
He said investigations were underway and that several suspects were already in custody.
“We strongly condemn the senseless act of violence,” Kasasira stated.
“We want to assure the public that all suspects involved in this criminal act shall be arrested and brought to book.”
The killing has stirred renewed concerns about the fragile relationship between communities and security forces in areas plagued by land wrangles.
