KANUNGU, UGANDA – After nearly six years on the run, a notorious fugitive believed to be behind the high-profile kidnapping of an American tourist in 2019 has finally been captured in a dramatic joint UPDF and police operation.
Derrick Memory, 30, from Karukara Trading Centre in Rukarara Village, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning around 3AM in Kanungu District. Authorities say he played a key role in the abduction of Kimberly Sue Endecott, an American national who was kidnapped at gunpoint along the Katooke Gate in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector on April 2, 2019.
Endecott and her Ugandan driver were taken hostage, with their captors demanding a staggering $500,000 ransom—a case that drew international outrage and attention.
THE GREAT ESCAPE — ENDS
Since the kidnapping, Memory had vanished into the dense jungles of Eastern DRC, allegedly working hand-in-glove with armed gangs operating in volatile regions such as Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso and even as far as Goma. But his luck finally ran out.
Intelligence teams, tracking his movements since 2019, finally closed in. During the arrest, authorities recovered wild animal products and military gear, raising further questions about his suspected involvement in poaching and arms smuggling.
“He’s been sneaking into Uganda through porous borders in Rwamagali and Bukunkulima,” a security source revealed. “We’ve had eyes on him for a long time.”
Officials say the arrest is a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and secure Uganda’s borders and tourism hotspots.
TOURISM SABOTEURS BEWARE!
“This is a strong message to anyone trying to sabotage our tourism or endanger wildlife,” said Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, UPDF 2nd Division Public Information Officer. “We will hunt you down and deal with you decisively.”
The UPDF and police are calling on communities near national parks to stand against illegal activities and protect Uganda’s prized natural heritage.
Despite the sensational arrest, Maj. Tabaro assured the public that Uganda’s borders and national parks remain peaceful and fully operational.
