Ugandan government responds to President Trumps demand

The Ugandan government has arrested eight nationals who have been linked in the kidnapping of an American tourist and her guide.

The American identified as Kimberley Sue Endecott, 35, and local guide Jean Paul Mirenge-Remezo were ambushed and seized by gunmen as they drove in Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwest Uganda after which the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $500,000 and the pair were released six days later.

The arrest comes days after US President Donald Trump demanded that Uganda should take dire action to rescue the Americans.

While confirming the arrests the Ugandan spokesman Ofwono Opondo said he hoped they would help break a larger criminal network in Uganda and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Ugandan police had announced arrests on Tuesday, but not given the number.

The firm that organised Endecott’s safari said she and her guide were released after a “negotiated settlement” and a Ugandan official also said a ransom was paid however the government has since denied the claim.