Africano Nteziyaremye (R) and his wife, Peace Kyompeire
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I More details have emerged about the shooting deaths of Kisoro businessman Africano Nteziyaremye and his wife, Peace Kyompeire, after police confirmed that unidentified gunmen attacked the couple at the main gate of their home as they returned from work late Saturday night.
According to Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime, the fatal attack occurred at approximately 11:00pm on October 17, 2026, in Zindiro Cell, Kamonyi Ward, Zindiro Village, Northern Division, Kisoro Municipality.
The couple were reportedly travelling in their Toyota double-cabin pickup truck from their wholesale shop in Kisoro Town when the assailants opened fire on their vehicle at the entrance to their residence. Both Nteziyaremye and Kyompeire died at the scene.
Tumushime said detectives and a canine unit had visited and examined the crime scene as investigations commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.
By Sunday morning, police had not made any arrests, while the motive for the attack remained unclear.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the shooting or possess information that could help identify and locate the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
The killings have sent shockwaves through Kisoro’s business community, where the couple were known for their longstanding commercial activities and contribution to the town’s economy.
Compassionate couple
Researcher Bernard Sabiti expressed grief over the deaths, describing the couple as familiar figures who had built a substantial business enterprise over several decades.
“Oh Lord what a terrible tragedy! This couple were a fixture of our little town for decades, serving our community by running a simple retail business that they grew into a strong business empire,” Sabiti said.
His remarks highlighted the couple’s journey from operating a modest retail business to establishing a sizeable commercial enterprise in the southwestern Ugandan town.
Beyond mourning their deaths, Sabiti raised concerns about personal security in Kisoro, recalling that someone had recently warned him against sleeping at his village home because of the risk of robbery.
His comments reflected broader concerns about the safety of residents and businesspeople, particularly those who operate commercial establishments and may return home late at night.
Police have not established whether the attack was connected to the couple’s business activities, a robbery or any other motive. Investigators are expected to pursue leads that could explain why the assailants targeted them at their residence.
The use of firearms in the attack and the fact that the couple were shot at their home gate have heightened concern among residents awaiting further information from the investigation.
Operation Kisasi
The incident also comes against the backdrop of an announcement by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba about a nationwide operation targeting criminal elements.
On Saturday, Muhoozi announced the launch of what he called Operation Kisasi, signalling a renewed security crackdown against criminals.
“We have launched ‘Operation Kisasi’ against criminals in the country. It will not end until we finish them,” Muhoozi wrote on X.
However, no information provided by police so far has established a connection between the operation and the Kisoro killings.
The deaths of Nteziyaremye and Kyompeire have renewed attention on the protection of business people and other residents, as police work to establish the motive and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Investigators are currently examining the crime scene and seeking information that could lead to the suspects. Police have urged anyone with credible information about the shooting to come forward, saying public cooperation could prove crucial in identifying those responsible.
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