American kidnapped on Ugandan safari, $500,000 ransom demanded (safety, country, tourist)

[WacoBill]

American kidnapped on Ugandan safari, $500,000 ransom demanded-Reuters

American tourist kidnapped in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park-ABCNews

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State told ABC News, "We are aware of reports of a U.S. citizen kidnapped in Uganda. Security forces are responding to the incident. We take seriously any threats against U.S. citizens abroad. The safety and protection of U.S. citizens overseas are among our top priorities. We have no further information to offer at this time."

[WacoBill]

Confusing details from deep in the heart of Africa....

Initial reports indicate the kidnapped woman is Kimberly Sue Endicott, 35, from California.

Here's a report that states her name is Kimberly Sue from Endicott, NY

[Tiger Beer]

Uganda is a bit confusing to me. Many of the State Departments recognize it ones of the safer countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

That's going to hurt their tourism industry...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OEY_gxBtus

[WacoBill]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

That's going to hurt their tourism industry...

As it should.

The U.K.'s Daily Mail is on it....The California grandmother, 56, kidnapped by four gunmen who are demanding $500,000 ransom

[AFP]

Thanks for posting Op I have a family member who makes these trips to Africa I will pass this on to him. I think this will hurt their tourism.

[NigerianNightmare]

Border area of D.R.C isn't safe at all, surprised they didn't stay in Kampala or better yet go to Rwanda for a safer vacation. Uganda isn't necessarily the worst place in the world but it isn't the best. Rwanda/Ghana would have been much better. Sad for Uganda, hopefully they can catch these crooks.

[Camo_Butterfly]

The last time a group of Americans got kidnapped in Africa...I think it was in Somalia...the Navy Seals rescued them and killed all the hostage takers.

I wonder if any efforts are being put forth to rescue her?

[WacoBill]

Originally Posted by Camo_Butterfly

The last time a group of Americans got kidnapped in Africa...I think it was in Somalia...the Navy Seals rescued them and killed all the hostage takers.

I wonder if any efforts are being put forth to rescue her?

This one? U.S. Navy SEALs who carried out daring rescue mission in Somalia (2012, UK Daily Mail)


Also, The hostage's name is confirmed as Kimberly Sue Endicott (LATimes) from Costa Mesa, CA.

The article goes on to say:
News of this kidnapping could affect Uganda’s tourism sector, one of its most significant sources of foreign income.
The country earned $1.37 billion in 2016 from tourism, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.

A cheeky Ugandan official says: Kidnapped American tourist did not take armed guard (Reuters). Like one armed ranger guide would have mattered.

[ReineDeCoeur]

Wow, so sad. I hope she’s found alive and uninjured.

Originally Posted by AFP

Thanks for posting Op I have a family member who makes these trips to Africa I will pass this on to him. I think this will hurt their tourism.

Where in Africa? How does what happens in Uganda translate to an entire continent with over 50 countries?

[WacoBill]

Originally Posted by AFP

Thanks for posting Op I have a family member who makes these trips to Africa I will pass this on to him. I think this will hurt their tourism.

You're welcome, AFP. Uganda will take the brunt of this. But, many will see it as reason not to venture to the continent itself. However, other than a few national parks and refuges, what else is there?

"Hard negotiations" as search widens for American tourist kidnapped in Uganda (CBS News)
Tourism operators say cancellations are already flooding in.