Ugandan police said Tuesday they had arrested “suspects” involved in the kidnapping of an American tourist and her safari guide, who
The joint security team actively investigating the kidnapping incident and successful recovery of
“All those arrested are suspected to be behind the kidnap,” police spokesman Fred Enanga told AFP.
“At this point I can’t give the number of those arrested but the arrests have taken place and investigations are ongoing.”
Mr Enanga said the suspects had been arrested in the area of Kanungu on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The operation to arrest other suspects is spreading to neighbouring areas where we suspect the suspects could be hiding,” he added.
The American woman and her experienced safari guide were recovered unharmed Sunday after a ransom was paid for their release six days after they were abducted by gunmen while on an evening game drive in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
President Yoweri Museveni vowed that his country was safe for tourists in the wake of the abduction.
He said authorities would “deal with these isolated pockets of criminals” and “continue to improve security in our parks”.
Tourism is a key industry for Uganda, home to rare mountain gorillas and other wildlife, the massive Lake Victoria and snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.
The intelligence-led operation which was calculated and tactical, in the early stages is now progressing unhindered, with raids and extensive searches in Kanungu district, where the suspects were arrested and the neighbouring areas.
We want to applaud the Joint Security team, for ensuring the kidnapping incident, where the captors were armed, in a very dynamic setting, did not go wrong, and for their break through in attempts to crack down, the criminal gang.
We continue to remain committed to the safety of the community, and also thank all stakeholders including the US Embassy, the Tourism Sector, families and friends, and the Media for their patience and support during the recovery efforts.