What happened in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda? On Tuesday evening, a couple of British and South African tourists and their Ugandan guide were found dead near their burned vehicle. Although no claim has been made, Ugandan police suspect the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist group linked to the Islamic State, of being behind this attack.
National park authorities confirmed the British and South African couple were traveling with a local agency, Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris. Images of the dead bodies and the charred vehicle quickly circulated on social networks, sparking indignation and emotion among Ugandans and the international community.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni described the attack as “terrorist” and expressed sadness for the honeymooning couple who had chosen Uganda as their destination. He also announced that research was continuing to find those responsible for this triple murder.
In a surprising turnaround, Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The terrorist group is known for its links to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has operated for years from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The ADF, now affiliated with the Islamic State, has already been responsible for numerous deadly attacks, including a suicide attack in Kampala in 2021 and the massacre of 42 people near the Congolese border last June.
This attack raises many questions about the safety of tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park and throughout Uganda. The authorities have put in place reinforced security measures and are actively tracking ADF members. The Ugandan government has also called for vigilance from travel agencies and tourists.
This tragedy is a reminder of the reality of terrorist threats that persist in certain regions of the world. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the protection of tourists. Ugandan authorities hope this attack will not deter tourists from visiting their beautiful country, which is full of natural and cultural wonders to discover.
It is essential to stay informed about safety conditions when traveling abroad and to follow the recommendations of local authorities. Caution and vigilance are required, but should not prevent us from discovering and appreciating the riches that the world has to offer.