They kidnapped an American tourist on a safari in Uganda: they ask for 500 000 USD for the rescue

Ugandan security forces have been searching for gunmen who kidnapped an American tourist and his driver in a national park near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, judicial sources said Wednesday.

Four gunmen arrested a group of tourists Tuesday at dusk, as they were crossing Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe wildlife.

Police identified the US tourist as Kimberly Sue, 35, and said the kidnappers had used her mobile phone to demand a ransom of $ 500,000 for the release of the couple. The name of the driver would be Jean Paul.

"The kidnappers, using the victim's phone, claimed $ 500,000," police spokeswoman Polly Namaye said in a statement. "We firmly believe that this rescue is the reason behind the kidnapping."

"We strongly believe that perpetrators and victims could still be stranded in our search area," police said, adding, "We hope our efforts will contribute to their healing."

Two other tourists, Martin and Barbel Julius, described as "senior couple" by the police, were present when the gunmen attacked, but were not kidnapped or physically injured. They managed to ring the alarm from the shelter where they were.

The attack took place between 18:00 and 19:00 (15:00 to 16:00 GMT), the police said. After hearing the news, the authorities deployed an elite team to try to locate the woman. Border crossings nearby were stuck in an attempt to corral the kidnappers.

"A joint operation by the Ugandan Police, Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) and Ugandan Wildlife Authority rangers is underway to locate and rescue them," said the door. of the Government, Ofwono Opondo.

"The priority at this point is to locate them, rescue them and bring them back to safety."

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Uganda. It is home to elephants, hippos, lions and chimpanzees.