At least 29 suspects have been arrested to help in the ongoing investigations into the murder of a policeman who was guarding a funeral
Constable Suleiman Chemonges attached to Bisheshe Police Station was attacked and killed by a mob during the burial of Lazaro Kahangire, an inmate who died while on remand Nyabuhikye Prison over a simmering land conflict involving the deceased’s family.
According to police, following the incident, they carried out an operation leading to the arrest of 29 suspects to aid in the ongoing investigations.
"We have since arrested 29 suspects connected to the murder and continuing with the search for additional perpetrators," Police said.
The incident
The Sunday 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.
During the funeral, the mob descended on Chemonges who according to police, was accused of involvement in
Kahangire's arrest and subsequent detention in prison.
"Despite firing warning shots to protect himself, the mob overwhelmed and killed him," a police statement said.
Police said they later recovered an SMG rifle with 16 rounds of ammunition from the scene and transported Chemonges' body to Ruhoko Health Centre mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations continue.