Uganda the pearl of Africa has been and is still safe for tourists. Kimberly Endicott, an American tourist who was abducted in Queen Elizabeth National Park and released after five days came out to clear the rumors about Uganda’s safety. Despite her kidnap for five days, Kimberly Endicott appealed to the world that Uganda is safe and good for tourism. To Kimberly, her kidnap was an exclusion of the rule which can happen in any destination, hence does not make Uganda unsafe for tourism. During her interview on CBS, Kimberly frankly confirmed to the world that Uganda is safe for tourism. Kimberly also expressed her compassion for her captors who protected her from any harm. Kimberly thanked her kidnappers for not selling her to a different rebel group who would be harsh to her. She further confessed how her kidnappers had guns, which they used to protect her and the driver guide from harm. More in her speech, Kimberly acknowledged her kidnappers for giving her fresh bottled drinking water and also made a tent for her to sleep when they kept outside the tent to ensure she was safe. Kimberly said her kidnappers drank dirty water from a hole in the ground, which makes her feel sympathy for them.
About the kidnap
Kimberly Endicott was abducted together with her driver guide Jean Paul on April 2nd, 2019 in Queen Elizabeth national park. They had gone for an evening game viewing in ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth national park when they met their fateful evening. The duo was abducted and taken to an unknown place by gunmen who held them captive and driven across the borders of Democratic Republic of Congo one of the unstable countries in the world for close to five days. The next day, kidnapers used Kimberly’s phone to demand $500,000. This alerted Uganda security forces to join hands do whatever it takes and rescue the captives. Uganda tourism police, Uganda police, and Uganda People’s Defense Forces started a thorough search for four sleepless nights until they rescued the duo safely. Its never clear whether the ransom was paid or not but whichever it is, captives were rescued with no harm.
How did she cope up with the captivity?
After when Kimberly could not see any hope for rescue, she decided to humanize herself with the captors and try to be open and free as much as she could. Kimberly was then at the abductor’s mercy hence had to be free with them and avoid anything in resistance. When Kimberly looked up at the most beautiful sky during a walk, she could not hold the excitement within herself. She loudly told them, “look at the sky, we do not have this at home” This openness built a relationship between Kimberly and her captors she believes is a reason why they did not harm her in any way.
The release
Kimberly Endicott and her driver guide Jean Paul were rescued on April 8th 2019. Kimberly told CBS that some lady from Uganda Wildlife Authority picked them and took them to Queen Elizabeth to their lodge for rest. Four men suspected to be behind the kidnapping have been so far arrested as further investigations are still undergoing.
Advice to future clients
Kimberly advised future travelers to visit Uganda with no any fear. The pearl of Africa has all along been known as one of the safe travel destinations in Africa with no record of client’s kidnap or killing. Uganda is naturally endowed by nature with beautiful landscapes, mountains, lakes, rivers and hospitable people. Specially, Uganda is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas, which make it a best spot to do gorilla trekking.
In general Uganda remain safe for tourism. Book a Uganda safari today, enjoy the natural beauty in the Pearl of Africa, Visit gorillas, track chimpanzees, and meet hospitable local people all rewarding you with a memorable experience.
