Suspects in kidnapping of American tourist are netted
The joint security team actively investigating the kidnapping incident and successful recovery of an American tourist Ms. Kimberly Sue Endicott and a Senior Tour Guide, Jean Paul Mirenge- Remezo, has made some arrests of suspects, on suspicion of being involved in their kidnap.
According to Police Spokesman, Fred Enanga, the intelligence led operation which was calculated and tactical, in the early stages is now progressing unhindered, with raids and extensive searches in Kanungu district, where the suspects were arrested and the neighboring areas.
We want to applaud the Joint Security team, for ensuring the kidnapping incident, where the captors were armed, in a very dynamic setting, did not go wrong, and for their break through in attempts to crack down, the criminal gang.
“We continue to remain committed to the safety of the community, and also thank all stakeholders including the US Embassy, the Tourism Sector, families and friends, and the Media for their patience and support during the recovery efforts,” Enanga asserts.
The American tourist and her guide/ driver have been were, on Sunday, 7th April 2019 found in DR Congo. They were rescued by combined effort of UPDF and Counter Terrorism Police helped by DR Congo forces. They are being flown to Kampala in a rescue mission that The Drone Media shall explain details later.
According to Police Spokesman, Fred Enanga the mission was successfully done by the police and sister security agencies today, Sunday, 7th April, 2019.
Enanga says Ms. Kimberley Sue Endicott, an American tourist together with the senior tour guide. Jean Paul, who were kidnapped on gunpoint last Tuesday, 2nd April, 2019, while on an evening game drive at Queen Elizabeth National park; were recovered unharmed, in good health and in the safe hands of the joint security team.
Mbu the abductees were dropped at the DR Congo-Uganda boarder after Wild Safaris paid the ransom shs 1.85 billions.
Minister of Tourism: We’re very pleased to inform Ugandans that the tourists have been rescued. They’re now safe in the hands of the Ugandan security forces. The capacity of the Ugandan security has proved its worth by rescuing those abducted unharmed.
Lilly Ajarova, Chief Executive Officer Uganda Tourism Board: This kidnap is an isolated case and it shouldn’t discourage anyone from coming to visit Uganda. We have very many things for them to come and tour.
The Drone Media has learnt that the two have been freed after a ransom was paid, according to officials at the safari company with which they were traveling.
Jane Goldring, a director at Wild Frontiers, said the two kidnapped victims had been freed. Another official with the company, who asked not to be named, said the two were currently “enjoying a square meal and hot shower” at a wilderness camp in Ishasha, Kanungu in Uganda. The camp is run by Wild Frontiers.
The official intimated that they were dropped off at a point near the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, the official said. He asked not to be named because he was not authorized to provide details about the circumstances of the release.
The official said he did not know the identity of the kidnappers and that Wild Frontiers paid the ransom.