Grief and fear have gripped residents of Kisoro District following a resurgence of armed highway robberies, in which over Uganda Shillings 2.5 million has been stolen from businessmen at gunpoint.
The attacks have re-emerged along the Kisoro–Mucha–Mukozi–Kasharara road in Nyundo Sub County, a vital tourism corridor that contributes billions of shillings to the national economy through foreign visitor tax revenue.
Despite its economic significance, the route remains poorly secured. Criminal gangs armed with rifles, sticks, pangas, stones, and iron bars have reportedly been ambushing travelers during late evening hours.
Earlier this month, two businessmen traveling from Kisoro Municipality to Kasharara fell victim to separate attacks and lost all their belongings.
The first victim, Turyakira Moses, a trader from Kisoro’s New Park, was assaulted by thugs wielding pangas, sticks, and an axe before being robbed of UGX 300,000.
The second victim, Haramurimana Belline, was returning from selling potatoes when he was allegedly stopped at gunpoint and robbed of over UGX 2.2 million.
Turyakira, still shaken, appealed to authorities for urgent intervention, warning that tourists could soon be targeted if action is not taken. Nyundo Subcounty LC3 Chairperson and acting security head, Mutambuzi Fred Kanyaruju, called for a joint effort among all security organs.
Kisoro District Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Nizeyimana John confirmed that investigations are underway.
CUE IN NIZEYIMANA…..ON THE MATTER…..RR//
District Police Commander Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha condemned the attacks, assuring residents that security operations have been intensified.
CUE IN NIWAMNANYA…..ON THE MATTER…..RR//
Earlier this year, highway robberies in Kisoro had escalated but were briefly suppressed after the arrest of five members of a single family from Bupfupfu Village, Muramba Parish.
The suspects, Twizerimana Lawrence (57), his wife Mujawimana Njerica (47), and their sons Manirakiza Anthony (30), Kwiringira Junior (29), and Ndakundimana Brian (23), were detained following the earlier arrest of Irankunda Gerald alias Ndereya (24) and Habyarimana Valence (40).
A firearm and live ammunition were recovered from Shaaza Ground during the operation, leading to a temporary decline in robbery incidents.
However, with the recent resurgence of attacks, communities are once again living in fear and demanding swift action before lives and the region’s tourism reputation are put at greater risk.
The Source Reports.
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