Trump presses Uganda to bring kidnappers of American tourist to justice

President Trump on Monday called on Ugandan authorities to apprehend the individuals responsible for the kidnapping of an American woman and her safari guide one day after officials said they were safely recovered. 

“Uganda must find the kidnappers of the American Tourist and guide before people will feel safe in going there. Bring them to justice openly and quickly!” Trump tweeted.

Uganda must find the kidnappers of the American Tourist and guide before people will feel safe in going there. Bring them to justice openly and quickly!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2019

American woman Kim Sue Endicott and her Congolese driver, Jean-Paul Mirenge Remezo, were kidnapped at gunpoint last week while visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country’s most popular park. The two were held captive for five days, and the individuals behind the plot demanded a $500,000 ransom for their release.{mosads}

Ugandan authorities on Sunday said that the two had been rescued and were in good health. ABC News reported that a ransom was paid to secure their release, but that the amount was unknown.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other American officials have said that the U.S. has a long-standing policy of not paying a ransom to secure the release of Americans.

Ugandan police said they would turn Endicott over to the U.S. ambassador to Uganda on Monday.

Security services have this evening managed to rescue kidnapped U.S. citizen Kimberly Sue Endicott and her driver Jean Paul Mirenge. Appreciation goes to @PoliceUg and sister security agencies that led the operation to return Sue and Jean Paul.

Details to follow. pic.twitter.com/l3xczXixgb

— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) April 7, 2019

Today Monday, 8th/04/ 2019, the IGP, will hand over Ms. Kimberley Sue Endicott, the American tourist who was rescued yesterday, Sunday 7th/ 04/ 2019, to Her Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, at the American Embassy in Kampala.

— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) April 8, 2019