A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the Sebei region following the brutal killing of Police Constable Chemonges Sulaiman, a 28-year-old officer from Kapchorwa who was lynched by a mob while guarding a funeral in Ibanda District. Local leaders have described the incident as “barbaric and ferocious,” sparking nationwide condemnation and raising serious questions about security protocols. The tragedy has left the tight-knit Sebei community heartbroken and demanding justice for their fallen son.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media show the horrifying moments when PC Chemonges was attacked by the violent mob, despite his attempts to disperse the crowd by firing warning shots. The officer had been assigned to provide security at the funeral of Kahangire Lazarus, a deceased inmate, when the situation spiraled out of control. The graphic footage has drawn emotional reactions across Uganda, with many expressing shock at the sheer brutality of the attack.
Kapchorwa District Chairperson Chebet Everlyne Kubarika, who also serves as Vice President of the Uganda Local Government Association, gave a passionate address that resonated deeply with the grieving community. “The video showing how our own was killed is so touching and provocative,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “That person being beaten like a snake is somebody’s son, a husband to a woman here in Sebei, a father to young children, and a brother to many. I condemn this act in the strongest terms possible.” Kubarika raised critical questions about police preparedness, demanding to know why reinforcements weren’t sent despite advance warnings about potential unrest at the funeral.
The killing has ignited a firestorm of anger across Sebei, with residents flooding social media platforms and WhatsApp groups with calls for immediate action. “They either serve justice, or justice will be served to them,” wrote one enraged commenter. Others directed their frustration at local leaders, with Clara Pedersen questioning, “How can our MPs remain silent when their own has died like this?” The sentiment was echoed by CJ Toboswo, who accused leaders of being “selfish and vote-hungry” for not prioritizing the matter. While some cautioned against taking revenge, the overwhelming demand was for proper legal action against all involved.
In response to the growing public outcry, the Uganda Police Force issued an official statement through spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira. The police confirmed that PC Chemonges was killed while performing his duties, and that his SMG rifle along with 16 rounds of ammunition had been recovered from the scene. The officer’s body was taken to Ruhoko Health Centre Mortuary as investigations continue. “We want to assure the public that all suspects involved in this criminal act shall be arrested and brought to book,” Kasasira stated firmly, though many in Sebei remain skeptical about these promises.
The Sebei community, known for its strong cultural bonds and solidarity, has presented clear demands in the wake of the tragedy. They are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into possible security failures that may have contributed to the officer’s death. There are also loud calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the mob attack, as well as demands for the government to provide support and compensation to Chemonges’ grieving widow and young child. As tensions continue to simmer, community leaders are walking a delicate line between urging calm and vowing to pursue justice relentlessly.
With funeral arrangements now underway, the incident has gained national attention, putting increasing pressure on authorities to act decisively. Many are watching to see if this case will prompt broader discussions in Parliament about Uganda’s growing problem of mob violence. As one Kapchorwa elder solemnly declared, “This was not just an attack on Chemonges—it was an attack on all of Sebei. We will not rest until justice is served.”
The brutal killing of PC Chemonges Sulaiman lays bare the dangers of mob justice—a practice that violates the most fundamental principles of human rights and the rule of law. While the pain and anger in Sebei are justified, this tragedy must serve as a stark reminder that no grievance, however deep, can be resolved through violence. Mob attacks strip victims of their right to a fair trial, perpetuate cycles of vengeance, and erode trust in legal institutions. True justice cannot be born from chaos; it must come through due process, where evidence is weighed, accountability is established, and the rights of all—victims and accused alike—are protected. As Sebei mourns, the path forward must be one of lawful redress, not retaliation. Only by upholding human dignity and rejecting vigilantism can Uganda break this destructive pattern and ensure that no more lives are lost to senseless brutality.
#JusticeForChemonges | #StopMobJustice
(Sources: YouTube statements, Police reports, and social media reactions)
