Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condemned a heart-wrenching attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park, describing it as “cowardly.” The assailants targeted a honeymooning couple, resulting in the loss of their lives and their Ugandan guide. Police attribute the attack to an armed militia in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The victims were on safari in the southwestern Ugandan park when gunmen ambushed them, setting their vehicle ablaze. The British government has issued a travel warning following the incident, discouraging British citizens from visiting the popular park.
The attack has been attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel militia, which has ties to the so-called Islamic State group. Museveni called upon Uganda’s security forces to ensure the ADF’s defeat and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Just two days prior, the President had announced the foiling of a bomb plot by the ADF on churches approximately 50 kilometers from the capital, Kampala. He stated that two bombs had been discovered and defused, adding that the terrorists were attempting to re-enter Uganda to carry out random attacks.
While security forces work diligently to counteract these threats, Uganda’s wildlife officials have affirmed that all parks remain open to tourists despite the tragic incident. Tourism is a vital sector for Uganda, contributing nearly 10 percent to its GDP last year.