Tourist, driver taken hostage in Queen Elizabeth National Park are still alive- Minister Kamuntu
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Ephraim Kamuntu has assured the public that the two people taken hostage by gunmen in Queen Elizabeth are still alive.
Unknown gunmen early this week attacked a tourist vehicle belonging to Wildfrontiers kidnapping the driver, Paul Milenge and Kimbley Sue Endecoot, 35, an American tourist while on an evening drive on Edward track between Katoke gate and the Wilderness Camp in Ishasha sector in in Kasese district.
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They have been held captive for now close to five days whereas an operation to find them is ongoing.
An elephant in Queen Elizabeth National Park on Saturday.
Minister Kamuntu told journalists on Saturday that information they have indicates that the duo is still alive and in good condition.
‘’Our operation continues but I can confirm that they (hostages) are still alive according to the last communication the team on the rescue operation received,”Kamuntu said.
“No stone will be left unturned and we are hopeful they(hostages) will be rescued”
The minister explained circumstances under which the tourists were attacked as they wound up their evening game drive within the national park.
Tourists take a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park on Saturday.
Kamuntu said in an unusual occasion, the tourists decided to have an evening game drive and on return, they were attacked by the four armed men.
No cause for alarm
The tourism minister said the country has been peaceful for over three decades, noting that the status quo will continue.
“I can confirm Queen Elizabeth, just like other national parks and places around the country are safe. What happened was a regrettable but isolated incident,”Kamuntu said.
“It is like while in New York or London, a suicide bomber throws a bomb. It is a one off incident that should not cause panic.”
The minister said the attackers used advantage of the porous and forest covered boundary between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo to enter the national park but noted the loopholes will be closed soon.
Tourists enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel.
The Uganda Tourism Board, CEO, Lily Ajarova assured tourists that the country’s tourist sites are safe for everyone despite the small glitch.
“Security is doing everything possible to rescue the hostages but everything is back to normal,”Ajarova said.
“Tourists are continuing to come as usual and as UTB, we assure you that Uganda is the best country to visit as a tourist in the world.”
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda Southwestern Uganda is home to 95 mammal species and over 500 bird species.
