The number of suspects remanded over the murder of Police Constable Suleiman Chemonges has risen to nine, following the arrest of a 56-year-old man in connection with the brutal incident that occurred in early March during a burial ceremony in Ibanda District.
The latest suspect, Acleo Kamugisha, a resident of Rwengoma Cell in Rwengoma Division, Fort Portal City (Kabarole District), was apprehended and initially held at Ibanda Police Station.
He was later arraigned on Tuesday before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Ibanda for a mention of the case.
According to State Attorney Ali Ssemakule, Kamugisha, along with eight others already on remand and additional suspects still at large, is accused of murdering 27-year-old Constable Chemonges.
The officer, attached to Bisheshe Police Post, had been deployed to provide security during the burial of inmate Lazarus Kahangire, 47, who had died while on remand at Nyabuhikye Government Prison.
“Kamugisha and his co-accused attacked Constable Chemonges during the burial proceedings and killed him on the spot,” Ssemakule told the court.
Presiding magistrate Her Worship Vastine Kembabazi remanded Kamugisha to Nyabuhikye Prison until May 13, 2025, when the case will be mentioned again.
“Given the capital nature of the charges, this court lacks the jurisdiction to grant bail or allow the accused to take a plea,” Magistrate Kembabazi stated.
All nine suspects remain on remand as investigations into the officer’s killing continue, with police intensifying efforts to track down the remaining individuals implicated in the case.