UPDF and Police arrest suspect linked to 2019 kidnapping of American tourist

4 May 2025, 15:10

By Uziah Tusaasire

Memory was arrested on Sunday, 5th April 2025, at around 3:00 a.m. He is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping that occurred on 2nd April 2019 at Katooke Gate, along the Ishasha Sector of the park.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police have arrested Derrick Memory, 30, in connection with the 2019 kidnapping of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott from Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu district.

According to a statement issued by Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, Memory was arrested on Sunday, 5th April 2025, at around 3:00 a.m.

He is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping that occurred on 2nd April 2019 at Katooke Gate, along the Ishasha Sector of the park. A ransom of $500,000 had been demanded for the release of the American tourist and her Ugandan driver.

Maj. Tabaro revealed that Memory, a resident of Karukara trading centre, Rukarara village, Kihembe sub County in Kanungu district, had been hiding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He is believed to have been working closely with armed criminal gangs operating in Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso, and as far as Goma.

Upon his arrest, he was found in possession of wildlife products and military items. Authorities suspect that he has been crossing back into Uganda through porous border points in Rwamagali and Bukunkulima and had been under surveillance since the 2019 incident.

Maj. Tabaro emphasised that Memory is expected to provide valuable information regarding cross-border criminal activities that threaten Uganda’s national security.

He also appealed to communities living near national parks to avoid engaging in illegal activities, particularly those that endanger wildlife.