The task team actively investigating the kidnapping incident and successful recovery of American Tourist, Ms Kimberly Sue Endicott and a Senior Tour Guide, Jean Paul Mirenge – Remezo, has today, Thursday, 18th April, 2019 charged a former convict and mastermind behind their kidnap; Byaruhanga Onesmus, alias Kaliisa, alias Kawonawo, alias Kasurubana a 43 year old male, and resident of Kisamba Cell, Southern Ward, Kanungu Town Council and Nyanga Cell, Kihiihi Town Council, in Kanungu District, with three (3) counts of Aggravated Robbery and two (2) Counts of Kidnap with intent to procure a ransom , before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kanungu District.
The prevailing facts, indicate that on the 2nd April, 2019, the suspect played a supportive role, of surveilling the movement of the American Tourist, from Bwindi National Park to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and furnished the kidnapping team to their local criminal gang, with information that facilitated the kidnapping of the two.
The former convict, who was also highly involved in the post – kidnap demands is also accused of planning and carrying out typical kidnappings, aggravated robberies and the murder of a resident in Kanungu Town Council. We plan to file additional charges against him and his criminal associates. The task team is also reviewing circumstances under which members of this local kidnapping ring, were granted bail on similar charges of kidnap before court.
We want to inform the public that the police and its sister security agencies have largely been successful, in their efforts to combat kidnappings in the country, and a large part of their success is attributed to the effective Anti-kidnap strategies in place, with close cooperation from the community. So far, the kidnapping ring in Kanungu district has been dismantled, additional suspects are being processed, and the operation to apprehend the known remaining perpetrators of the criminal kidnapping enterprise still ongoing.
You will be updated progressively.
CP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
18th April 2019
