An American tourist who was kidnapped and held at ransom in Uganda was ‘found safe and in good health on Sunday 7 April.
Kimberly Endicott, 35, was on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park when her vehicle was ambushed by four bandits who were
Endicott and her guide Jean Paul Mirenge were held for four days by the kidnappers, who were reportedly demanding $500,000 for her release.
Details of her release are yet to be verified, but reports claim that a ransom was paid – although it is not clear how much.
It was also reported that a Wild Frontiers Uganda spokesman confirmed the pair were back at the lodge in the park after their release was negotiated.
Four armed men, said to be from Congo, attacked the car they were driving in with two other tourists on Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm.
“The other tourists, an elderly couple, escaped, but the gunmen took Endicott and the driver.” Uganda deputy police spokeswoman Polly Namaye, reported
The American embassy and Ugandan government took part in rescuing the two people held captive.
A statement released by Uganda Tourism Board earlier this week said:
“The outlaws put the occupants under gun-point and abducted two of them; a Ugandan driver and an American Citizen.
“The kidnapping happened near Katoke Gate in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
“The other occupants of the van who were left behind managed to contact a few people: who came to their rescue.
“All security agencies such as the Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Défense Forces including wardens from the Uganda Wildlife Authority have joined in the hunt for these outlaws with the main aim of safely securing the hostages.
“The lives of the kidnapped are a key priority during this process. We appeal for calm as we find a lasting solution to this issue.
“Further information will be shared with the public as it comes in.”