KANUNGU, UGANDA – Security forces in Uganda have arrested a key suspect in the high-profile 2019 kidnapping of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott and her Ugandan driver, Jean-Paul Mirenge. The incident, which occurred in Queen Elizabeth National Park, drew international attention and heightened diplomatic pressure on Uganda to apprehend those responsible.
The suspect, identified as Derrick Memory, 30, was arrested early Sunday morning in a joint Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Police Force operation. Memory, a resident of Karukara Trading Centre in Rukarara Village, Kihembe Sub-county, Kanungu District, had reportedly been hiding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for five years.
According to UPDF 2nd Division spokesperson Major Kiconco Tabaro, Memory operated alongside armed criminal gangs in areas such as Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso, and Goma.
“He is suspected to have participated in the kidnapping of Kimberly Sue Endecott and her driver from Katooke Gate in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on April 2, 2019. The kidnappers used firearms to ambush their safari vehicle and later demanded a ransom of $500,000,” said Maj. Tabaro.
The victims were held hostage for nearly five days in dense bushland near the DRC border, an area notorious for its porous terrain and armed group activity. The kidnapping disrupted Uganda’s tourism sector and triggered a U.S. travel advisory, along with FBI involvement in the investigation.
At the time of his arrest, Memory was reportedly in possession of wildlife products and military gear. Authorities say he had been sneaking back into Uganda through illegal crossings in Rwamagali and Bukunkulima.
“The arrest of Memory is a major breakthrough and will provide critical intelligence on cross-border criminal networks targeting tourists, wildlife, and national security,” Maj. Tabaro stated.
He also warned that criminal elements targeting Uganda’s tourism industry will be dealt with decisively, urging border communities to refrain from illegal activities that compromise conservation efforts and national security.
The arrest comes as Uganda ramps up efforts to restore confidence in its tourism sector, a key economic pillar that contributed over 7% to the country’s GDP prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
