Police Constable (PC) Suleiman Chemonges, a dedicated officer with the Uganda Police Force (UPF), joined the service at a young age, driven by a deep sense of duty to protect and serve his country, much like other public servants.
His role, like that of his colleagues, was to maintain law and order in his assigned area, ensuring the safety of the community.
Little did the young officer know that his commitment to safeguarding others would ultimately cost him his life.
On April 6, 2025, while carrying out his duties at the funeral of a prisoner in Bisheshe, Ibanda District, his life was tragically cut short.
Chemonges 28, had been assigned to provide security at the funeral of Lazarus Kahangire, a man who had died in custody at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
Kahangire, who had been charged with attempted murder, had been arrested after evading capture for the alleged crime.
The officer was at the event to ensure peace, unaware that the day would turn fatal.
According to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, Chemonges was attacked by a violent mob, who blamed him for Kahangire’s arrest and subsequent detention.
Despite his efforts to protect himself, by firing warning shots to scare off the mob, the officer was overwhelmed and killed.
The police later recovered an SMG rifle, along with 16 rounds of ammunition, from the scene. The officer’s body was also taken to the Ruhoko Health Centre for a post-mortem examination.
Kituuma expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, condemning the act of violence.
He assured the public that all those responsible for the officer’s death would be brought to justice.
He revealed that since the attack, authorities have arrested 29 individuals in connection with the incident, and the search for additional suspects continues.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily while carrying out their duties to protect their communities.
