British tourist 'shot dead by ISIS-linked terrorists' in Uganda was on honeymoon

18 October 2023 , 12:13

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A British tourist has been shot dead in Uganda on a safari park holiday by gunmen thought to be Islamic terrorists (Image: Sax Rohmer LTD)

A British tourist shot and killed in Uganda had been on his honeymoon, it has emerged, as the country's president condemned the atrocity.

The man, who has not yet been named, was on safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and had been in a vehicle when he was shot by militants for Allied Democratic Forces - an Islamic terror group with links to ISIS. Both the man and his wife, who was from South Africa, as well as the driver were killed in the attack on Tuesday.

Uganda's president Yoweris Museveni called it a "cowardly act" in a statement on Wednesday. He said the couple had been "newlyweds and visiting Uganda on their honeymoon".

"Of course, these terrorists will pay with their own wretched lives. However, killing these wretched individuals will not bring back the lives of these wonderful friends of Uganda who had chosen our country for their honeymoon out of the 193 Countries of the world.

"Our High Commission in the UK will reach out to their families and provide whatever support is necessary in this tragic situation." The president added he was committed to "wiping out ADF"

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Police spokesman Fred Enanga said following the attack on Tuesday evening: "We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and an Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt."

A spokesperson for the Uganda Wildlife Authority said the attack took place on the outskirts of the park on Tuesday evening. "The deceased whose names are withheld, include an Ugandan, a UK citizen and a South African citizen," the spokesman said.

"In response to this incident, UWA has informed the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies who are working diligently to establish the precise sequence of events leading up to this horrific incident and to identify those responsible. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and we share in their grief during this difficult time."

The ADF is a shadowy rebel group that originated in Uganda but whose fighters now operate in a lawless part of eastern Congo. The group has established ties with the Islamic State group. Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in a remote area near the Congo border, is one of the country's most popular conservation areas.

Susie Beever