Female American tourist; Kimberly Sue Endecott aged 35 and Ugandan senior tour guide and driver Jean Paul, kidnapped on gun point, Elderly couple and car abandoned at Edward track, perpetrators leave car parked, disappear with car keys and demand $500,000 ransom before release of victims.
Ugandan security agencies; Tourism Police, Army and Uganda wildlife authority wardens have embarked on joint efforts to pursue unknown gunmen who yesterday 2nd April, kidnapped a female American tourist and a Ugandan senior tour guide while driving during an evening game adventure along Edward track, a section located between Katoke gate and Wilderness camp at Queen Elizabeth National Park between the hours of 5pm and 6pm.
The Deputy Uganda Police Spokesperson, ACP Polly Namaye reports that, unknown gunmen put tourists on gunpoint and snatched out two of the four tourists before taking off with them. The kidnapped victims include 35 year old female American tourist; Kimberly Sue Endecott and Jean Paul who was the driver.
However, other occupants of the van including an elderly couple known as Martin Julius and wife Barbel who survived managed to communicate to the safari lodge manager who provided them immediate rescue and are reported to be safe for now without sustained injuries.
Representatives from the United States Department of State, U.S Embassy in Uganda reveal that, kidnappers used the American tourists’ phone to call and demand for a $500,000 (Shs 1.8 billion) ransom before release of the abducted victims as mission to rescue both the kidnapped is on for their safer recovery.
The driver and tourists were driving in motor vehicle registration number UAR 777E that belongs to World Frontiers Safaris Uganda though the kidnappers managed to disappear with car keys and left the car parked along Edward track.
Security agencies under a joint rescue mission have currently sealed off all border exit points of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in hunt for perpetrators and the victims since the park is adjacent to the border as its believed culprits and victims could still be trapped in the search area.
Uganda Police states that, this incident is the first one of its own nature that has never happened before and it was unexpected so those planning to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park shouldn’t turn down their trips as strengthened security and safety measures have been put in position for both local residents and foreign visitors contemplating to visit the park.
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