Key suspect linked to American tourist's 2019 kidnap arrested

KANUNGU - A joint operation by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police has led to the re-arrest of 30-year-old Derrick Memory from Rukarara village, Karukara trading centre, Kihembe subcounty in Kanungu district.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued by Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, public information officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division.

Memory is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping and hostage-taking of American tourist Sue Kimberly Endecott at Katooke Gate along the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu district on April 2, 2019.

According to the statement, Memory had been hiding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he was reportedly collaborating with armed criminal gangs operating in Buganza, Nyamirima, Kisoso, and even as far as Goma.

“He has been among those wanted for crimes committed when the American tourist and her driver were kidnapped and a ransom of $500,000 demanded,” Tabaro stated.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was reportedly found in possession of wild animal products and military items.

“He has been sneaking into Uganda through the porous border areas of Rwamagali and Bukunkulima, and we have been monitoring his movements since April 2019,” Tabaro added.

The UPDF spokesperson noted that the suspect is expected to provide valuable intelligence on cross-border criminal activities that impact border security.

“Those with criminal intent on our tourism will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.
He further appealed to communities near national parks and other vital areas to refrain from activities that endanger wildlife.

He reminded them that participation in acts that sabotage tourism is punishable under Ugandan law. Tabaro also reassured tourists that the Uganda-DRC border remains peaceful, with normal activities continuing.