KANUNGU – Security forces have arrested seven suspects in connection with the kidnap of US tourist Kimbley Sue Endicott and her Ugandan guide Jean Paul Mirenge Remezo.
The suspects were picked up from Kihiihi town council, Kanungu district, the location of Queen Elizabeth National Park where the tourists were kidnapped on April 2.
Despite the two tourists being released, security forces have intensified the hunt for the kidnappers and on Monday and Tuesday, they picked up Hakim Kiniga, Kyarisima Denis, Imanairaguha Adam commonly known as Man, and the wife Mrs Adam Imanairaguha. The others are Mboyebyombi Gad, a businessman in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Akim Tumwebaze, and the other only identified as Yoweri both who deals in fish business across DR Congo.
“The joint security team actively investigating the kidnapping incident and successful recovery of an American tourist Ms. Kimberly Sue Endicott and a Senior Tour Guide, Jean-Paul Mirenge- Remezo, has made some arrests of suspects, on suspicion of being involved in their kidnap,” police said on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, however, declined to divulge details.
“I can confirm that there were some arrests but I am yet to get details. I will brief you when I get the information,” Enanga said.
According to sources, the suspects were tracked using a device placed in the ransom money they received before setting Ms Sue and Mirenge free.
When contacted, the deputy Kanungu RDC, Emmy Ngabirano, could not readily confirm the arrests.
“The kidnap it is very unfortunate and regrettable and I want to thank the security agencies for the work done and we pray this is the end to kidnaps, as of now I cannot readily confirm those arrests but I can confirm that investigations and operations to have those behind the kidnap are apprehended,” he said.
He appealed to the world not be taken up by the kidnap. “There is no cause for alarm, the process is on, these things are world over, it is not in our interest that we should not have them arrested, we doing everything possible to have them arrested”. He said.
