Six Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of Deaf Link Uganda Director

Police in Uganda have arrested six people in connection with the shooting death of Barbra Nassozi Kiyaga, the founder of Deaf Link Uganda. The arrests were made as police investigate the circumstances under which Kiyaga was killed during an attack on Mucha Lodges in the early hours of Thursday. The six arrested include four employees of the lodge, a tour guide, and a police officer.

Kiyaga was shot dead at about 2am on November 5 at Mucha Lodges, located along the Mutolere-Nyundo Road near Lake Mulehe in Kisoro District. Armed assailants reportedly stormed the premises, leading to a gunfight with security personnel. Kiyaga sustained several gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Preliminary reports indicate that she was shot seven times.

A police officer guarding the lodge, Constable Charles Mukesi, was also wounded in the left leg during the attack. He was taken to Kisoro Hospital, where he is receiving treatment. Kisoro Deputy Resident District Commissioner Dan Ndikumwami announced the arrests on Saturday, saying the six were being questioned to help establish what transpired during the attack.

Ndikumwami said security officials had held a meeting with residents living near the lodge and asked them to provide information about suspected criminals in their neighbourhoods. He also called on landlords to register their tenants and urged local council leaders to alert security agencies about people whose activities raise suspicion.

Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said police had registered cases of murder by shooting and attempted murder. He said security personnel had launched an operation to pursue the gunmen, while deployments had been increased to safeguard residents and visitors. Police have not disclosed the motive for the attack but are examining the possibility that the assailants intended to rob guests at the lodge.

Kiyaga established Deaf Link Uganda in 2007 as a community-based organisation, which later grew into a non-governmental organisation. Its work centres on improving access to education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The killing has raised fresh questions about security in Kisoro, particularly given the district’s importance as a destination for tourists visiting Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.

The killing follows the October 17 shooting of businessman Africano Nteziyaremye and his wife, Peace Kyompeire, at the gate of their home in Zindiro, Kisoro Municipality. Police have appealed to anyone with information about the lodge attack to assist investigators as the search for the gunmen continues. The six arrested are being held to help police investigate the matter and possibly identify the assailants.

Key points

• The motive for the attack is still unknown, but police are examining the possibility of robbery.