Uganda Police said the bodies of the two foreign tourists who were murdered by suspected terrorists inside Queen Elizabeth National Park will undergo re-examination by experts before they are flown back to their countries of origin.
On October 17, 2023 a UK national (Male) and his South African newly-wed wife who were on honeymoon had their lives cut short by armed men while they were celebrating their marriage in the national park. Their Ugandan guide/driver Eric Alyai was also killed in the attack and their Safari vehicle set ablaze.
Police spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga said the bodies of foreign tourists are still being kept in the mortuary at Mulago National Referral Hospital, awaiting the arrival of Forensic experts from the UK and South Africa, for a review of the circumstances of the violent attack and murder, the evaluation of the evidence, and forensic analysis of the collected samples.
“An official report of death of the victims, will be handed over after wards.” Enanga stated.
The body of the Ugandan guide/driver, Eric Alyai, was handed over to the relatives for burial after a post –mortem examination was done -according to Fred Enanga.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we remain extremely saddened, that this very tragic incident happened in our country that attracts thousands of tourists, both foreign and domestic. It is highly regrettable. We do extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of, the British citizen, the South African and Alyai Eric.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. We further extend heartfelt condolences to the British High Commission and the South African Commission in Uganda, for the loss of its citizens.” A statement from Uganda Police reads in part.
In a short statement following the attack, President Yoweri Museveni made an assurance that the UPDF Mountain Brigade and UWA, continue to aggressively pursue the terrorists who fled, in the area left of Bweera-Kikoroongo road. Museveni noted that all those responsible for the horrific and violent attack, will be held accountable for their criminal actions.
In a joint statement issued on Monday 23 October 2023, security agencies led by police assured all Ugandans and visitors that the safety of tourists, continues to be a priority. As a result, police have adjusted and stepped up, patrols along the major roads and highways in Kasese district, with the deployment of an integrated highway patrol unit, together with other road policing measures in the neighbouring areas.
Enanga said police have also adjusted deployments at all tourists sites as one of the security measures aimed at guaranteeing, peace, safety and security in the country.
