The Kapchorwa District LC V Chairperson and Vice President of the Uganda Local Government Association representing Eastern Uganda, Chebet Everlyne Kubarika, has strongly condemned the brutal mob killing of Police Constable (PC) Chemonges Suleiman in Ibanda District.
Addressing the nation on the matter, Chebet described the incident—captured in a widely circulated video—as “touching and provocative,” noting that the officer, beaten in cold blood, was not just a police officer, but a son, husband, father, and brother from Sebei.
“The person being beaten like a snake is a son of some woman here in Sebei. He is a husband and a father to a young child, and a brother to somebody,” she said with deep emotion.
PC Chemonges, who was deployed to provide security at a funeral in Kambogo Cell, Ibanda District, was attacked and killed by a mob on April 6, 2025. The mob accused him of having participated in the arrest of the deceased, Kahangire Lazarus, who died while on remand for attempted murder.
Chebet called on the people of Kapchorwa and the wider Sebei sub-region to remain calm and not resort to revenge or attacks on Westerners working or doing business in the region. “Two wrongs do not make a right,” she emphasized.
While expressing full trust in the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the rule of law under the NRM government, she assured the Sebei community that she is actively engaging the Minister of Local Government and the Minister of Internal Affairs to pursue justice for PC Chemonges.
“I call upon the Inspector General of Police to take up this matter expeditiously and ensure all those involved are brought to justice. A detailed report must be made public, and those involved must be smoked out to face the law,” she said.
Chebet also appealed to her fellow local government leaders across the country to play their part in working closely with police to safeguard the nation. “Uganda is our only country. We must protect it, and we must love it.”
Highlighting that the roles of the police are to protect life and property, Chebet pointed out that PC Chemonges died sticking to his duty without harming anyone. “This was a case of misdirected anger. My fear is that if such actions continue, we might witness serious retaliations in the future,” she warned.
She further called on the LCV Chairperson of Ibanda to show leadership by following up on the matter and ensuring that the perpetrators, who are residents of the district, are identified and brought to justice.