Uganda is intensifying efforts to bring the perpetrators of a deadly attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park to justice. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of three individuals, including a South African, a British national, and their Ugandan safari guide.
The Ugandan military, police, and wildlife authority have formed a joint force to pursue the assailants, who are believed to be affiliated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group associated with the Islamic State (IS).
Ugandan military spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed on Wednesday that they had deployed all available resources, both technical and physical, in pursuit of the attackers. He declared that the perpetrators would be held accountable for their “heinous acts.”
The ADF, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been connected to IS since 2019, and on Wednesday, IS issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.
As a result of the incident, the United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens against visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park due to safety concerns. France has also advised its nationals to exercise caution in the region.
Despite the tragic event, Kulayigye sought to reassure tourists that this was an isolated incident and that Uganda remains a secure and safe destination.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, spanning 700 square miles (1,813 square kilometers), is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare tree-climbing lions, which can be found in only two locations worldwide.