Security re-arrests suspected wildlife trafficker in Kanungu district
KANUNGU, May 5, 2025 –– A joint security operation by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] and Uganda Police Force [UPF] has led to the re-arrest of a man suspected of involvement in poaching and wildlife trafficking.
According to Major Kiconco Tabaro, Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, the suspect, identified as Derrick Memory, 30, was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday morning in possession of wildlife products and military equipment. He was arrested at around 03:00 hours in Karukara Trading Centre, Rukarara Village, Kihembe Sub-county, Kanungu district.
Major Tabaro revealed that Memory had previously been arrested and charged on 2 April 2019 in connection with the high-profile kidnapping of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott and her driver Jean Paul. The incident occurred at Katooke Gate along the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
“He was arrested and charged in 2019 for kidnapping with intent to procure a ransom from American tourist Kimberly Sue Endecott and her Ugandan driver. The tourist was released after five days, following the payment of a US$ 500,000 ransom,” Tabaro said. “Memory, also known as Alinitwe, and his accomplice Onesmus Byaruhanga, alias Kalisa Kahonaho Kasurubana, were arrested and charged at the time.”
Since then, Memory is believed to have been hiding in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], where he reportedly worked with armed criminal gangs in areas such as Buganza, Nyamirima, Kasoso, and even as far as Goma.
“He has been sneaking back into Uganda through porous border points in Rwamagali and Bukunkulima. We have been monitoring his movements since 2019. His arrest will assist us in gathering valuable intelligence on the illicit trade that threatens our border security,” Tabaro added.
Memory now faces fresh charges, including illegal possession of firearms and wildlife products, offences punishable under the Uganda Wildlife Act, 2019.
“The Act prohibits the hunting, capturing, harming, or possession of protected wildlife species. Convictions for poaching or trafficking protected animals can lead to life imprisonment. This includes those who engage in poaching directly and those involved in the buying, selling, or transfer of illegally obtained wildlife,” Tabaro explained.
He issued a stern warning to the public, particularly communities living near national parks, to avoid involvement in activities that endanger wildlife or undermine Uganda’s tourism industry.
“We urge communities neighbouring national parks to refrain from engaging in activities that threaten wildlife. Participating in crimes that sabotage tourism is punishable by law. Individuals with criminal intentions towards our tourism sector will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.
Uganda’s border with the DRC, particularly near Queen Elizabeth National Park, remains a hotspot for illegal financial flows and cross-border crimes, including poaching, human trafficking, and smuggling.
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