Barbra Nassozi Kiyaga, 58, the founding executive director of Deaf Link Uganda, was killed in a gun attack on Mucha Lodge in Kisoro district on Thursday. The incident occurred at about 2 am when unidentified gunmen attacked the lodge, reportedly targeting guests. The attackers were confronted by security personnel, leading to a shootout that resulted in Kiyaga's death and a police officer sustaining injuries.
According to Nelson Tumushime, Kigezi Region police spokesperson, the attackers raided the lodge in what is suspected to have been an attempted robbery. The security guards opened fire to repel the assailants, who returned fire, triggering the shootout. Police Constable Charles Mukesi, who had been deployed to guard the premises, sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was rushed to Kisoro Hospital for treatment.
Kiyaga had checked into the lodge on Wednesday and booked a four-day stay. She died at the scene, and her body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Tumushime said police had launched an operation to track down and arrest the attackers, adding that security had been reinforced in the area to protect residents and tourists.
The killing is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving suspected gunmen in Kisoro district, raising fresh concerns about security in an area popular with tourists visiting its lakes, national parks, and mountain gorilla tracking sites. Less than three weeks ago, prominent businessman Africano Nteziyaremye and his wife, Peace Kyompeire, were shot dead at their home in Zindiro village, Kamonyi Ward, Northern Division, Kisoro Municipality.
The couple was reportedly returning from work in a double-cabin pickup truck when assailants traveling on a motorcycle opened fire as they approached their residential gate. Both died at the scene. No arrests had been reported in connection with the killings by press time. A week before the couple's murder, suspected gunmen attacked Bweza Lodge in Rushaga, Rubuguri Town Council, in what was believed to be an attempted robbery targeting tourists.
The attack was reportedly thwarted after security guards at neighboring Dorotia Lodge opened fire, forcing the assailants to flee. Police have not established whether the three incidents are connected or determined the motive behind the latest attack. Tumushime appealed to the public to remain calm and provide information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend the suspects.
The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the perpetrators. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Kisoro district, particularly in areas popular with tourists. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking steps to enhance security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Deaf Link Uganda's founding executive director, Barbra Nassozi Kiyaga, was killed in a gun attack on a lodge in Kisoro district.
- The incident is the latest in a series of violent incidents involving suspected gunmen in Kisoro district.
- Police have launched an operation to track down and arrest the attackers.
