Story by Ivan Mugisha
The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Ibanda District, presided over by Her Worship Edith Tusabe, has remanded eight individuals to Nyabuhikye Government Prison in connection with the alleged murder of a police officer, Suleiman Chemonges.
Chemonges, 28, who was attached to Bisheshe Police Post, had been deployed to provide security at a burial ceremony for Lazarus Kahangire—a 47-year-old inmate from Nyabuhikye Government Prison who died while on remand.
The burial, held on April 6, 2025, turned tragic when Chemonges was reportedly attacked and lynched by a mob.
The eight suspects remanded include Gaston Muhwezi (27), Mwesigye Sam Kikurungi (53), Alfred Arinaitwe alias Mabere (43), Christine Atuhaire (37), Allen Nuwatuha (23), Alex Ahimbisibwe (18), Christine Komugisha (19), and Bayron Katungye (29).
Authorities say the hunt is still on for other individuals believed to have been involved in the incident.
During the court session, some of the suspects appealed for medical attention, citing lack of treatment since their arrest.
However, the magistrate informed them that their case is under the jurisdiction of the High Court and therefore their requests could not be addressed at this stage.
Her Worship Tusabe ordered that all eight be remanded until April 29, 2025, when the case will return to court for formal mention of the charges.
The incident has sparked concerns over the safety of law enforcement officers during public deployments, especially in high-tension situations such as funerals.
