President Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans and tourists from across the world that his government will continue to improve the security in Uganda’s parks following the rescue of an American tourist and a Ugandan safari driver after being abducted earlier last week.
“Last evening, security officials briefed me about the rescue of American tourist Kimberly Sue and her Ugandan guide, Jean Paul Mirenge, who had been kidnapped by criminals in Queen Elizabeth National Park,” said Mr Museveni in a tweet.
Mr Museveni added that the isolated cases of crime will be defeated.
“We shall deal with these isolated pockets of criminals. However, I want to reassure the country and our tourists that Uganda is safe and we shall continue to improve the security in our parks. Come and enjoy the Pearl of Africa,” he added.
The pair were reportedly whisked off after being besieged by the group at gunpoint during an evening game drive inside the sprawling park, one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations.
The rescue operation led by Ugandan elite force the Special Forces Command (SFC) was conducted on DRC territory following improved military cooperation between the two countries since new DRC President Felix Tshisekedi assumed office in January this year.
Five days after going missing, Ugandan authorities announced that they had rescued the pair, sending a rippling sense of relief particularly to their respective families and friends. Their captors had demanded a $500,000 (about sh18b) ransom.
The two were recovered unharmed, in good health and in the safe hands of the joint security team.
