NEWS- A joint UPDF and Police Security team in Kanungu District have arrested a 30 year old man identified as Derrick Memory a Karukara Trading Center in Rukarara village in Kihembe Sub-county.
The UPDF 2nd Infantry Division Spokesman Major Kiconco Tabaro has confirmed the arrest which took place today May 4th 2025.
Maj Tabaro Kiconco said that it is alleged that the suspect participated in the kidnap and taking hostage of an American tourist, Ms Kimberly Sue Endecott at Katooke gate along Ishasha Sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu District on 2nd April 2019.
It is reported that Derrick has been hiding in Eastern Democtatic Republic of Congo since then where allegedly working very closely with armed criminal gangs in Buganza, Nyamirima, kasoso and as far as Goma.
Major Kiconco Tabaro explained that the has been among those wanted for crimes committed when the American tourist and her driver were kidnapped and ransom of US 5,0000 waa demanded.
During his arrest today morning, wild animal products and military items were found in his possession.
It is reported that he has been sneaking into Uganda through porous border in areas of Rwamagali and Bukunkulima and his movements have been monitored since April 2019 and will now provide us with useful information on cross border activities of criminal nature which have a bearing on our border Security and those with criminal intent on the country tourism will be dealt with decisively.
The Security have since appealed to the communities neighboring National Parks and other vital areas to desist from engaging in activities which put wildlife into danger and participating in activities which sabotage tourism is punishable by laws of Uganda.
Major Kiconco Tabaro however reaffirmed that Uganda border with Democratic Republic of Congo and National Parks remain peaceful with usual activities going on very well.
It should be remembered that, the tourist was later released after part of Ransom was paid. The suspect was arrested and charged in Rukungiri court. They were 4, his other two accomplice with guns have never been caught but believed to operate between Uganda and DRC border. It is further alleged that he later joined them until his re-arrest.
