Government and American embassy have launched joint operation of Uganda peoples Defence forces (UPDF) and Uganda Wildlife Authority game wardens to establish the where about of American tourist and a senior game guide who were kidnapped last evening.
According to a statement released by police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, four unknown gunmen staged an ambush and kidnapped the tourist, Ms Kimbley Sue Endecoff and his drive, a senior game guide identified as Jean Paul Milenge Romezo at Katoke gate in Queen Elizabeth national park.
The gunmen used the victim’s cellphone to demand a ransom of US $500,000, equivalent to Shs 1.85 billion police said, adding that they “strongly believe this ransom is the reason behind the kidnap.”
At least two other people were traveling with them in a vehicle near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. They were apprehended by four men who held them at gunpoint, police said.
The kidnappers abducted the American and the driver, taking their keys but leaving the vehicle behind, according to police. The others in the vehicle escaped unharmed and later contacted authorities.
Ugandan police said they had blocked the nearby border to the Democratic Republic of Congo in an attempt to corner the suspects.
“We strongly believe the perpetrators and victims could still be trapped within our search area,” police said. “We are hopeful that our efforts will lead to their successful recovery.”