Two foreigners and a Ugandan citizen have been killed in an attack on a tourist car in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park on Tuesday, October 17.
The horrifying incident has sent shockwaves across the region and raised concerns about the safety of visitors exploring the park’s abundant wildlife.
The DR Congo-based Islamist ADF militia is suspected to be behind the terrorist attack, according to the spokesperson of the Uganda Police Force, Fred Enanga.
“We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt,” Enanga said in a statement shared on X.
“Our joint forces responded immediately upon receiving the information and are aggressively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
The Islamic State-linked ADF was blamed for an attack on a school in Uganda’s Kasese District that killed at least 42 schoolchildren in June 2023.
The United Nations-sanctioned armed group is also linked to killings of civilians in DR Congo’s Ituri and Beni provinces, where it has been based since the 1990s.
Reports indicate that the assailants, who are believed to be affiliated with a local militia group, ambushed a group of tourists during a safari outing. The attackers, armed with sophisticated weaponry, subjected the tourists to an appalling act of violence, resulting in the loss of lives and leaving others injured.
The Ugandan authorities have swiftly launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces, including the police and armed forces, have been mobilised to ensure the safety of visitors within the national park and surrounding areas.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, has long been a popular tourist destination. However, this tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks involved in exploring remote regions and the need for enhanced security measures to protect both tourists and wildlife.
The Ugandan government has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those affected by this senseless act of violence.
Efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Uganda’s economy, and this incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of visitors. Authorities are now working diligently to strengthen security measures across all national parks and tourist sites, aiming to prevent a recurrence of such tragic events in the future.
