The founding executive director of Deaf Link Uganda, Barbra Nassozi Kiyaga, has been shot dead during a gun attack on a lodge in Kisoro district, in an incident that also left a police officer injured.
Kiyaga, 58, a Kampala resident, was killed at about 2 am on Thursday when unidentified gunmen attacked Mucha Lodge along the Mutorere-Nyundo road, near River Mucha, between Lake Murehe and Lake Mutanda.
Nelson Tumushime, Kigezi Region police spokesperson, said the attackers reportedly raided the lodge in what is suspected to have been an attempted robbery targeting guests but were confronted by security personnel deployed at the facility.
The security guards opened fire to repel the assailants, who returned fire, triggering a shootout in which Kiyaga was killed and a police officer sustained gunshot injuries.
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Tumushime identified the injured officer as Police Constable Charles Mukesi, who had been deployed to guard the premises.
Mukesi sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was rushed to Kisoro Hospital, where he is receiving treatment in stable condition.
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.
He appealed to the public to remain calm and provide information that could help security agencies identify and apprehend the suspects.
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 about 11pm on October 17, 2026, at the gate of 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 travelling 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 neighbouring 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.