Uganda captures key suspect in 2019 US tourist kidnapping; another accomplice faces charges.

Uganda announced on Monday the capture of a key suspect linked to the 2019 armed kidnapping of an American tourist and her driver in Queen Elizabeth National Park. On April 2, 2019, Kimberly Sue Endicott and her Ugandan driver were abducted by armed men who later demanded a ransom of $500,000. The two were released four days later after negotiations involving both Ugandan and United States officials. Authorities did not disclose whether the ransom was paid.

Military spokesman Major Kiconco Tabaro told AFP news agency that the suspect, identified as Derrick Memory, had been on the run since 2019. He was finally apprehended by joint security forces.

According to Tabaro, Memory had been hiding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was also engaged in other criminal activities. After a period of tracking, Ugandan security forces arrested him on May 4 in the western district of Kanungu.

Tabaro described the arrest as a significant development, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists and the general public. He emphasized that anyone attempting to destabilize the country would be pursued and dealt with firmly.

In the course of the initial 2019 investigation, police also arrested a second suspect, Onesmus Byaruhanga, who was 43 at the time. He was accused of aiding the kidnappers and is currently facing charges of kidnapping and aggravated robbery.