In a devastating incident, a honeymooning couple from the UK and South Africa and their Ugandan guide were ruthlessly killed in a “cowardly terrorist attack” at the Queen Elizabeth National Park in south-west Uganda, as revealed by Ugandan authorities.
The couple, who were on their honeymoon in Uganda, and their guide faced this tragic fate when their vehicle was ambushed and later set ablaze. Ugandan joint forces are currently on a manhunt, pursuing the suspected perpetrators believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel faction.
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, took to social media platform X to express his condolences and shared that the Ugandan High Commission in the UK is standing ready to provide all necessary support to the grieving families.
In a response to the tragedy, the UK’s foreign office mentioned they were closely monitoring the situation and are in touch with the bereaved family of the British national.
A notorious group, the ADF is linked with the Islamic State and has its origins in Uganda. However, in recent times, its primary activities have been reported in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The governments of both countries have stepped up their efforts to curb the group’s nefarious activities.
A recent disclosure by the Ugandan president shed light on the police’s success in averting another potential tragedy planned by the ADF. The plot aimed to target and bomb churches in the central Butambala district of Uganda.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, reflecting the sentiments of many, condemned the attack, branding it “cowardly”. On platform X, which was previously known as Twitter, he said: “We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt.” He further stressed the urgency with which they are tracking down the culprits.
An image revealing the charred remains of a green four-wheel-drive vehicle, presumably the tourists’, was also shared by the police force to underline the gravity of the attack.
Bashir Hangi, representing the Uganda Wildlife Authority, confirmed that the heart-wrenching incident took place on a Tuesday evening. Despite the tragedy, the authority stated that all parks remain operational. However, they urged visitors to be patient and cooperate as the investigations continue.
Reacting to the evolving situation, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advisories for Uganda. Tourists have been alerted that the “attackers remain at large”. They further advised against non-essential travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Those already in the park have been urged to liaise closely with local security agencies.
The Foreign Office further emphasized its readiness to support any British nationals in the region, urging them to heed travel advisories and to reach out if they find themselves in need of assistance
