By Aggrey Baba
[When a man carries another on his back, he doesn’t watch him fall]. That proverb reminds us of the duty police officers carry every day, to protect and keep peace, even in difficult moments. But on this tragic day in Ibanda District, that very duty cost a young officer his life.
A police constable identified as Sulaiman Kyelemonguzi, also known as PC Chemonges Suleiman, was beaten to death by an angry mob while on duty at a burial in Nyabuhikye, Ibanda District. The incident happened around 10:00 a.m. Sunday, according to ASP Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police spokesperson.
PC Kyelemonguzi, aged 28, who was attached to Bisheshe Division Police Station, had been deployed to maintain peace during the burial of Mr. Razalus Kahagire, an inmate who had recently died at Nyabuhikye Government Prison. Mr. Kahagire had reportedly been detained over a land conflict, an issue that often stirs deep tensions in communities.
However, the funeral turned violent as mourners, fueled by anger and suspicion, turned against the officer10:00 a.m., beat him until he drew his last breath. By the time police reinforcements arrived, the officer had already succumbed to his injuries.
His rifle, an SMG, and 16 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the scene, and his body was later taken to Ruhoko Hospital for a postmortem.
The police have strongly condemned the act of mob justice. “This is unacceptable. We want to assure the public that all those involved in this crime will be arrested and face the law,” ASP Kasasira stated. The incident comes just a day after the death of Mackline, a senior human resource officer at Ibanda Municipality, a week that has cast a dark shadow over the district.
Authorities are calling for calm and cooperation from the community as investigations continue. This incident highlights the growing risks faced by officers on duty, and the deep need for communities to find peaceful ways of handling conflict. As the old saying goes, “He who throws a stone in the market should remember his relatives might be there.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
