Police in Kisoro District are investigating the suspected murder of a 24-year-old university student whose body was discovered in a pool of blood along a roadside in Kisoro Town on Monday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Isiah Byamugisha, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology at Metropolitan International University, Kisoro Campus.
Byamugisha, a resident of Ndeba Village in Kihihi Town Council, Kanungu District, was reportedly last seen on Sunday evening watching an English Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Misty The Pics Nightclub in Kisoro Town.
He reportedly remained at the nightclub socialising before leaving between 3am and 4am on Monday. However, at about 7:30am, his body was discovered in a pool of blood along a roadside in Kisoro Town.
SP Nelson Tumushime, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that Byamugisha was allegedly murdered by unidentified assailants.
Tumushime said the body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continue.
He cautioned members of the public against walking alone in unsafe areas, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Byamugisha’s death comes amid growing concerns over a series of violent killings in Kisoro District.
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, at around 2am, gunmen attacked Mucha Lodge, located along the Mutorere-Nyundo Road near River Mucha, between Lake Murehe and Lake Mutanda.
During the attack, the assailants shot dead 58-year-old Barbara Nassozi Kiyaga, the founding Executive Director of Deaf Link Uganda, a non-governmental organisation. They also injured Police Constable Charles Mukesi, who had been deployed to guard the premises.
In a separate incident, prominent businessman Africano Nteziyaremye and his wife, Peace Kyompeire, were shot dead at around 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 home 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.
The Former Kisoro District LC5 Chairman, Abel Bizimana, has called for increased security vigilance and community involvement in crime prevention, saying the growing incidents of violent crime require a corresponding increase in security vigilance, strategic surveillance and community participation to protect residents.
“Social problems need social solutions,” Bizimana said, emphasizing that security agencies should work closely with communities to identify and address factors contributing to rising crime.
He observed that although security officers are trained in social theories that shape public order and strategic surveillance, more needs to be done to strengthen crime prevention in Kisoro.
Bizimana also cited Rwanda’s response to insecurity during the period when armed groups known as Abacengezi caused violence, saying joint night patrols involving residents and security agencies could provide useful lessons for Kisoro.
He urged security agencies and local leaders to consider strengthening night patrols and other community-based security interventions to deter criminals.
“Something can be done and must be seen to be done,” he said.
