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By Jovita Hasto
IBANDA - Residents of Kyembogo Village, Karangara Ward in Bisheshe Division, Ibanda District, are living in fear as security forces continue arresting individuals suspected of participating in the attack and killing of a police officer during the burial of Razaro Kahangire—an inmate who died at Nyabuhikye Government Prison last week.
Locals have started fleeing the village, claiming that some innocent people are being arrested. This situation has heightened tension in the area, with many saying they no longer feel safe staying in their homes.
Chemonges was slain by mob at a funeral
According to residents, security forces should conduct thorough investigations before making arrests, arguing that not every mourner participated in the mob action that led to the death of Suleiman Chemonges, a police officer deployed to maintain order at Kahangire’s funeral on April 6, 2025.
Mr. Evaristo Matsiko, the defense secretary of Kyembogo Village, said security personnel have beaten and arrested people in the area and surrounding villages, prompting more residents to flee for fear of being arrested.
"People are worried in Katafari Cell and neighboring areas. Even in Atanno Namunnana Village, residents were beaten and others arrested. This has caused people to stay indoors, escape at night, and fear moving around the neighborhood," he said.
Slain officer; Chemonges
Mr. Joseph Sunday, a resident of Kyembogo, said families of those arrested have since abandoned their homes.
"People are no longer staying in their homes. After learning that their relatives were arrested, they fear they might be next. This is very concerning because we live in the same community. Our hearts are no longer at ease—we don’t even rest during the day or at night."
Mr. Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the Ibanda District Resident Commissioner, urged residents who did not take part in the attack to stay calm, assuring them that only those captured on video footage would be arrested.
"People should not live in fear. Police are still investigating and have video evidence of those who were seen throwing stones at the officer. Those who did not participate should remain in their homes—they will not be harmed," he said.
Mr Godfrey Mbetegyereize the Ibanda district Resident Commisoner, says security has a footage of locals who attacked and killed Suleiman Chemonges. (Photo Jovita Hasto)
Mr. Mbetegyereize added that 10 more suspects have been arrested to aid investigations, bringing the total number to 40. He said security officials plan to meet residents and conduct sensitization programs.
"We are going to continue sensitizing the public on how to handle issues that arise in the community," he stated.
He also revealed that he had written to a judge at Mbarara High Court requesting an expedited ruling on the land dispute that sparked the conflict.
"I have written to the judge handling the land case involving this family. The matter started as far back as 1998, and it has significantly contributed to the ongoing tensions in the community."
Mr. Alex Katuramu, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyembogo, described the current situation as frightening, saying people have abandoned their homes due to the looming threat of arrests.
"The government should step in to address this situation before it escalates further. People have begun to turn against each other. The tension has created so much hatred that even relatives are no longer greeting one another," he said.
Mr. Elias Tumubweine, the Assistant District Chairperson of Ibanda, condemned the mob attack and urged people from the Sebei region not to interpret the incident as a tribal issue.
"Even if it had been another police officer in that situation, the outcome would have been the same. I urge all Ugandans to avoid violent behavior, as the law will catch up with them," he said.
"We apologize to the people of Sebei and ask for their forgiveness. Please don’t view this through a tribal lens. The district leadership is preparing to meet residents and sensitize them on peaceful conflict resolution," he added.
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