The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old man believed to be the prime suspect in the 2019 kidnapping of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott.
The incident occurred on April 2, 2019, at Katooke Gate along the Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kanungu District.
The suspect, identified as Derrick Memory from Karukara Trading Centre, Rukarara Village, Kihembe Sub-county in Kanungu District, was apprehended on Sunday, according to Major Kiconco Tabaro, Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division.
Maj. Tabaro revealed that Derrick had been hiding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he was allegedly collaborating with armed criminal gangs operating in Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso, and even as far as Goma.
He has been on the wanted list for his role in the abduction of the American tourist and her driver, during which a ransom of $500,000 was demanded.
Upon his arrest at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, authorities recovered wildlife products and military-related items from his possession.
“Derrick has been infiltrating Uganda through porous borders in areas such as Rwamagali and Bukunkulima. His movements have been under close surveillance since April 2019,” Maj. Tabaro stated.
He emphasized that the suspect is expected to provide valuable intelligence on cross-border criminal activities that threaten Uganda’s border security.
“Those with criminal intent targeting our tourism industry will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.
Maj. Tabaro also urged communities living near national parks and other critical areas to refrain from engaging in activities that endanger wildlife or sabotage tourism.
“Participating in such acts is punishable under the laws of Uganda. Despite isolated criminal incidents, our border with the DRC and the national parks remain peaceful, with normal activities ongoing,” he added.
