Police have revealed its decision to withhold the release of the autopsy findings regarding the tragic deaths of two foreign tourists within the confines of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says they await foreign forensic experts.
According to Enanga, the bodies of the South African Celia Geyer and British David Barlow both tourists, who were visiting Uganda during on their honeymoon, were transferred from Kasese ,to Mulago National Referral Hospital Mortuary for examination and investigative purposes.
The couple was shot dead by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) won Katwe road, in Kasese.
The rationale behind this delay lies in the pending arrival of forensic teams from the United Kingdom and South Africa, who will collaborate closely with Ugandan pathologists, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and intelligence units. These esteemed professionals will scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the incident, analyze the gathered evidence, and conduct a meticulous assessment of the collected samples from the scene.
Enanga says upon the arrival and collaboration of the South African and British forensic experts, the process of conducting the autopsy will commence. The subsequent official report, summarizing the findings and insights regarding the unfortunate demise of the aforementioned tourists, will be issued. This report will then be conveyed to the British and South African High Commissions in Uganda for their awareness and further diplomatic actions.
While the body of the Ugandan driver, Eric Alyai, has been returned to his family for burial.
Police say the ongoing investigation has identified the assailants as a group of five individuals who, after the crime, retreated towards the Bwera-Kikorongo area.
He clarifies that armed forces have embarked on a joint operation with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to pursue the culprits and maintain the security of the nation’s national parks.