The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Ibanda has once again remanded eight people accused of murdering a police officer during a burial ceremony, as investigations into the case remain incomplete.
The group is accused of killing 28-year-old Suleiman Chemonges, a police officer attached to Bisheshe Police Post, who was allegedly attacked by a mob while on duty at the burial of Lazarus Kahangire, an inmate who had died while on remand at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
Appearing before Magistrate Vastine Kembabazi on Tuesday, the suspects were sent back to Nyabuhikye Government Prison until May 13, 2025.
The State Attorney informed the court that inquiries were still ongoing and requested additional time to complete investigations.
Those remanded include Gastone 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, 29.
They were first charged and presented in court on April 14 but could not enter pleas due to the magistrate’s court lacking jurisdiction over capital offences such as murder.
“The matter is still under active investigation by the state, and the accused persons are hereby further remanded,” said Kembabazi during the brief session.
The suspects face charges under case file AA-14/2025 and are accused of murder, contrary to sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
Chemonges’ death has drawn widespread concern in the community and within police ranks, with the case continuing to attract public attention as residents await trial proceedings and answers surrounding the officer’s violent death.