Uganda: US Tourist, Guide Kidnapped for Ransom

An American tourist and a safari guide have been kidnapped from a national park in Uganda by a group of unidentified gunmen.

According to reports, the four kidnappers ambushed a travelling group of tourists on Tuesday evening, 2 April, as they drove through the Queen Elizabeth National Park in the country’s southwest region.

Holding the group at gunpoint, the gunmen grabbed the tourist – identified as a 35-year-old woman – and the local guide, and disappeared into the bush with them.

The four remaining tourists were unharmed and later reported the incident to the authorities.

Ugandan police spokesperson, Polly Namaye, said in a statement: “The kidnappers, using the [tourist’s] phone, have demanded $500 000. We strongly believe this ransom is the reason behind the kidnap.”

A joint operation by the police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Uganda Wildlife Authority game wardens has been launched in order to locate the kidnappers and rescue the two victims.