Ibanda Magistrates Court has remanded eight suspects in connection with the brutal murder of Police Constable (PC) Suleiman Chemonges.
Due to jurisdictional limitations, the suspects were not allowed to take plea. They were identified as Gaston Muhwezi, 27; Sam Mwesigye, 53; Alfred Arinaitwe Mabele, 43; Christine Atuhaire, 37; Allen Niwatuha, 23; Alex Ahimbisibwe, 18; Christine Komugisha, 19; and Bayren Katungye.
All eight were remanded to Nyabuhikye Government Prison in Ibanda District and are expected to return to court for mention of the case on April 29, 2025.
PC Chemonges, 28, was murdered in Kyembogo Village during the burial of Lazarus Kahangire a remand prisoner who had died while in custody at Nyabuhikye Prison.
The officer, who was attached to Bisheshe Police Station, had been deployed to provide security at the funeral.
However, during the ceremony, some mourners reportedly turned on him, accusing him of being involved in Kahangire’s arrest leading to his death.
Although Chemonges allegedly fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the angry mob, he was ultimately overpowered and killed.
Following the incident, 40 individuals were arrested. After screening, 32 were released on police bond as investigations continue.
Authorities say the search for more suspects is still ongoing.
The murder has been strongly condemned by both the Police and the Prisons authorities, and the huma rights bodies.
