Museveni calls for strengthening security in National Parks following murder of tourists

Uganda’s President, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has condemned the recent attack on tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which resulted in the tragic loss of three lives.

In an official statement to the citizens of Uganda, President Museveni shared his sentiments regarding the regrettable incident that took place on October 17, 2023.

The President noted that at approximately 1800 hours, a group of terrorists, who were fleeing from Ugandan military operations in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, callously attacked and killed a small group of tourists and their Ugandan driver on the Katwe-Kabatooro Murram road.

He added that this act of violence was not only cowardly but also a heart-wrenching tragedy, especially as it claimed the lives of a newlywed couple who had chosen Uganda as their honeymoon destination.

The couple, a gentleman from South Africa and his British wife landed in Uganda on Tuesday and were flown to Kasese in a helicopter. They met their guide who was to take them through the park adventure which ended prematurely.

President Museveni vowed that those responsible for this heinous act would face the consequences of their actions.

However, he stressed that retribution against the perpetrators would not resurrect the lives of these visitors who had selected Uganda as their honeymoon destination, out of all the nations in the world.

The President assured that the Ugandan High Commission in the United Kingdom would reach out to the families of the victims and offer any necessary support during this grievous time.

President Museveni also urged the Ugandan security forces, including the UPDF, the Police, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Intelligence agencies, to ensure that such tragedies are averted in the future and to intensify efforts in eradicating the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) insurgent group.

He commended the vigilance of the citizens, the Police, and other security agencies for their successful prevention of potential bombings in Bunamwaya, Kayanja’s church, and churches in Kibibi, Butambala.

Addressing the lapses in security measures, the President identified areas for improvement. Specifically, he mentioned that while UWA had been responsible for safeguarding tourists once they entered the park, the attackers took advantage of the tourists’ individual arrivals and departures. Additionally, President Museveni highlighted the need to explore more effective methods of tracking these fugitive groups, proposing alternative tracking approaches beyond the current method of “Kufuata Nyayo” (following their tracks).

President Museveni expressed his unwavering commitment to ensuring the defeat of these terrorists, drawing parallels to the successful eradication of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army and the cattle rustlers who had plagued Karamoja and surrounding districts, as well as those who had committed violent acts in Masaka. He offered his hopes for the eternal peace of the departed souls.