Kidnapped U.S. tourist and her guide rescued in Uganda

Last Tuesday, an American tourist, Kimberly Sue Endicott (35), and her tour guide, Jean Paul Mirenge, who is from Congo, were kidnapped in Uganda by four men with guns who asked for a ransom for $500,000.

They were on a safari at the Queen Elizabeth National Park with an elderly couple from Canada. The kidnappers robbed the Canadian couple, but left them behind. They were rescued and are safe, but it was not known where Endicott and her guide was. 

Yesterday, after 5 days, Ugandan police said that their security forces rescued them and that they are healthy and safe. 

The company that planned the safari paid an unknown amount as ransom.

Uganda is considered a very safe place to travel, but kidnappings are more common in Congo, across the border. 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said it is U.S. policy to not pay ransom because it can lead to more kidnappings. Instead, they work with local authorities to rescue captives.

President Trump tweeted: 

“Uganda must find the kidnappers of the American Tourist and guide before people will feel safe in going there. Bring them to justice openly and quickly!” 

https://www.usatoday.com/.../uganda-american.../3394179002/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../b2edbdcc-5954-11e9...

http://time.com/.../american-woman-kidnapped-uganda-rescued/

https://www.nytimes.com/.../uganda-safari-kidnap-kimberly...