Uganda security teams caught Derrick Memory, a man they say helped kidnap American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott five years ago. The 30-year-old suspect lived in Kanungu District but had been hiding in eastern Congo since the crime. Police found him early Sunday during a joint army-police operation.
Memory allegedly took part in the April 2019 armed kidnapping of Endecott and her Ugandan driver from Queen Elizabeth National Park. The kidnappers asked for $500,000 after holding both victims for five days near the Congo border. This attack made headlines worldwide and hurt Uganda's tourism image.
The U.S. sent FBI agents to help find the criminals after the kidnapping. Uganda stepped up border security as pressure came from Washington. The suspect had wildlife products and military items when arrested, according to Army spokesperson Major Tabaro.
Officials call this arrest a breakthrough that might reveal more about criminal groups targeting tourists. The army warns communities near parks and borders not to join illegal activities that harm wildlife or tourism. Uganda keeps working to rebuild its safari destination reputation after investing more in park safety.
Memory allegedly took part in the April 2019 armed kidnapping of Endecott and her Ugandan driver from Queen Elizabeth National Park. The kidnappers asked for $500,000 after holding both victims for five days near the Congo border. This attack made headlines worldwide and hurt Uganda's tourism image.
The U.S. sent FBI agents to help find the criminals after the kidnapping. Uganda stepped up border security as pressure came from Washington. The suspect had wildlife products and military items when arrested, according to Army spokesperson Major Tabaro.
Officials call this arrest a breakthrough that might reveal more about criminal groups targeting tourists. The army warns communities near parks and borders not to join illegal activities that harm wildlife or tourism. Uganda keeps working to rebuild its safari destination reputation after investing more in park safety.
