Ugandan security forces are hunting gunmen who abducted an American tourist and her driver inside Queen Elizabeth National Park near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The kidnappers have demanded a $500,000 ransom for their release.
The abduction occurred between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday when four gunmen stopped a group of tourists at gunpoint. The American woman, aged 35, and her 48-year-old safari guide were taken, while an elderly couple with them were not harmed and raised the alarm.
Police spokeswoman Polly Namaye confirmed the ransom demand, saying: 'We strongly believe this ransom is the reason behind the kidnap.' Joint security teams have cut off exit areas along the border with the DRC, and an elite squad from the tourism police has been deployed.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most famous wildlife reserves, borders conflict-racked regions of the DRC. Numerous militia groups operate in eastern DRC, and last year two British tourists were kidnapped in nearby Virunga National Park.
Tourism is a key industry for Uganda, but the country has experienced previous attacks on tourists, including the 1999 murder of eight foreign tourists by Rwandan rebels. The army insists this is an isolated incident and that Uganda remains safe for visitors.
