UK, South Africa forensic teams to assist Uganda probe tourists death

Forensic experts from South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK) are set to come to Uganda to assist the police with the investigation into the brutal attack of two tourists and their Ugandan guide, police have revealed.

The trio was killed by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Queen Elizabeth National Park at Nyamunuka on Katwe Road in Kasese District on October 17.

They were identified as 50-year-old David Jim Barlow, a British citizen; 51-year-old Emmaretia Celia Geyer, a South African citizen; and 40-year-old Eric Alyai, a resident of Entebbe.

Addressing journalists in Kampala yesterday, the police spokesperson, Mr Fred Enanga, said the bodies of the tourists are still being kept at Mulago National Referral Hospital Mortuary in Kampala.

“The bodies are pending post-mortem analysis and foreign examination because we are still waiting for the arrival of forensic teams from South Africa and the UK who will be working with our team of pathological experts as well as the CID (Criminal Investigations Directorate) and intelligence teams,” Mr Enanga said.

He added: “The teams from South Africa and the UK will review the circumstances of the violent attack and murder, evaluation of the evidence that has been gathered so far, and even the forensic analysis of the collected samples.”

Report

Mr Enanga said after the analysis, a report will be released on the cause of death which will be handed over to the South African and British high commissions.

“As the joint security agencies, we continue to mourn the senseless murder of the two tourists and one tour guide who were on a honeymoon and it was unfortunate that their lives were cut short as they were celebrating an important accomplishment in their lives,” Mr Enanga said.

Police say they are continuing to comb villages and towns where they suspect the remnants of the ADF are hiding within the community.

“Our concern is that without them surrendering or applying for amnesty, they still cause very serious threats of safety and security against Ugandans and visitors in the country,” Mr Enanga said.

He added: “We have stepped up our patrols on major roads and highways in Kasese District and we have adjusted deployment at all tourism sites as a measure to guarantee peace, safety and security in the country.”

On April 2, 2019, American tourist Kimberly Endicott and her guide Jean-Paul Mirenge were kidnapped by suspected terrorists at the Park. The government paid ransom for their release five days later.

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