Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | In the wake of the brutal murder of foreign tourists and their guide in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth II National Park in Kasese district, southwest Uganda, the government and security agencies have been tasked with enhancing national security, especially in areas prone to terrorist activities.

Sharon Arach Oyat, the spokesperson for Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), an opposition political party in the country, emphasizes the urgent need to enhance the safety and security of both Ugandans and foreign tourists visiting the country for tourism.

Last Tuesday (October 17), security reports revealed that suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed three people and set their vehicle on fire. The president later disclosed that the victims were tourists from the UK and South Africa, and their guide was a Ugandan. The couple had been on their honeymoon in Uganda when the tragic incident occurred.

President Museveni posted a statement on Twitter, mentioning that the Ugandan High Commission in the UK would provide support to the families of the murdered couple. The UK’s foreign office also confirmed its contact with the family of the British national involved in the incident.

Arach stresses the importance of heightened intelligence to prevent such distressing occurrences, especially in light of recent tragedies such as the school massacre in Lubhiriha.

She states, “The government and military agencies should strive to ensure the safety of Ugandans and gather intelligence to prevent such incidents from happening again.”

UPC further calls on the government to engage in dialogue and reconciliation with rebel groups to bring stability to the affected regions.

At a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, announces that the government plans to name a road after the murdered tourists as a tribute to their contributions to national tourism. He also discusses plans to compensate the families of the deceased tourists and the Ugandan guide killed in the national park.

Baryomunsi highlights the deployment of heavy military presence in Kasese and other Rwenzori areas to counter potential terror attacks, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected security concerns in their areas.