A police officer was brutally killed by a mob during a burial ceremony in Ibanda District, Uganda, on April 6, 2025. The officer, PC Chemonges Suleiman, 28, was providing security at the funeral of Kahangire Lazarus, who had died at Nyabuhikye Government Prison while on remand for attempted murder ¹.
The Incident
The mob, blaming the police for Kahangire’s arrest and detention, turned on PC Chemonges, accusing him of playing a role in Kahangire’s incarceration. Despite firing warning shots, Chemonges was overwhelmed and killed. An SMG rifle with 16 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the scene.
The Uganda Police Force has condemned the attack and vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice. So far, 29 suspects have been arrested, and the police continue to hunt for more culprits. The officer’s body was taken to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for a postmortem.
Context
This incident highlights the rising cases of mob justice in Uganda, often fueled by mistrust in the formal justice system and personal victimization by crime. In 2019, 746 deaths by mob action were reported, a 75% increase from 2013. The Uganda Police Force faces challenges in maintaining law and order, particularly in situations where communities take the law into their own hands.
