Police hunt eight more key suspects in officer Chemonges' murder

Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are actively searching for an additional eight key suspects in connection with the murder of Ibanda Police officer Suleiman Chemonges.

According to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira, the eight suspects remain at large.

“The police and other security agencies are hunting for more key eight suspects linked to the murder of Chemonges,” he told New Vision by phone.

Chemonges’ life was tragically cut short at the age of 28 on April 6, 2025, in Kyembogo village during the burial of remand prisoner Lazarus Kahangire, who had died while in custody at Nyabuhikye Prison.

The officer, who was attached to Bisheshe Police Station in Ibanda district, had been deployed to provide security at the funeral.

However, according to police reports, a group of mourners turned violent, accusing him of being involved in Kahangire’s arrest and eventual death.

In an attempt to defend himself, Chemonges reportedly fired warning shots, but the mob overpowered him and beat him to death.

The incident has been strongly condemned by both the police and prison authorities. Forty suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.

Kasasira confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those involved in the heinous act are brought to justice.

He noted that eight of the 40 suspects arrested on Tuesday, April 15, were remanded to Nyabuhikye Government Prison by Ibanda Magistrates’ Court on April 15, 2025, until April 29, 2025.

They are: Gaston Muhwezi, 27; Sam Mwesigye, 53; Alfred Arinaitwe Mabele, 43; Christine Atuhaire, 37; and Allen Niwatuha, 23. Others include Alex Ahimbisibwe, 18; Christine Komugisha, 19; and Bayren Katungye.

Kasasira said the remaining 32 suspects were released on police bond pending further investigations.

Sensitising the community

He also noted that several residents fled their homes for fear of arrest and remain in hiding.

However, he said police, together with the local leadership, are engaging the community to encourage those who fled to return home.

The Political Commissar, Ubaldo Bamunoba, also visited the scene to assess the situation and gather insights into the matter in a bid to ease tensions following the incident.

He held a meeting with the district security committee, district leadership, and police officers to discuss the incident and identify ways to improve police-community relations.

He further sensitised the community on the dangers of mob justice and the importance of community policing.

Through his X handle (formerly Twitter), Bamunoba noted: “The community has been mobilised for a sensitisation program aimed at reducing fear and promoting peace. The program focused on the effects of mob justice and the importance of community policing.”

He added that the community policing approach in Ibanda has been strengthened to restore trust and ensure public safety as part of a broader initiative to improve police-community relations and address security concerns in the district.