Story by Obed Kankiriho
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old man believed to be the key suspect in the 2019 abduction of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott and her driver.
The kidnapping occurred on April 2, 2019, at Katooke Gate along the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu District.
The suspect, identified as Derrick Memory from Karukara Trading Centre in Kihembe Sub-county, Kanungu, was apprehended in a joint security operation at around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday.
According to Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, Derrick had been hiding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he allegedly collaborated with armed criminal gangs in areas including Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso, and Goma.
He has been on the authorities’ radar since the high-profile kidnapping, during which a $500,000 ransom was demanded.
Upon his arrest, security forces recovered wildlife products and military-related items from his possession. Maj. Tabaro noted that Derrick had been sneaking into Uganda through porous border points like Rwamagali and Bukunkulima and had been under surveillance since 2019.
Authorities believe he will provide critical intelligence on cross-border crime networks that pose a threat to Uganda’s border security and tourism sector.
Maj. Tabaro issued a stern warning to individuals planning to disrupt Uganda’s tourism industry, stating they will be dealt with decisively.
He also called on communities living near national parks to avoid engaging in criminal activities that endanger wildlife or national security, stressing that such actions are punishable under Ugandan law.
Despite occasional incidents, he affirmed that Uganda’s borders and national parks remain secure and peaceful.
