Kidnapped Costa Mesa Woman Rescued In Uganda

COSTA MESA, CA —A Costa Mesa esthetician, abducted while on vacation in Uganda, was freed Monday, according to reports from authorities. Ugandan security forces aided in her rescue, they said. Kimberly Sue Endicott, 56, was expected to be returned to the United States Embassy, Monday, officials tweeted.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority, which manages 10 national parks, 12 wildlife reserves and 14 wildlife sanctuaries in the African nation, tweeted the news shortly before 10 a.m. Sunday.

"The rescue of kidnapped tourist Kimberly Sue Endicott and driver guide Jean Paul is complete. Both captives back in safe hands. We thank our security agencies who led the mission. This was a one off and isolated incident. Our national parks have been and remain safe to visit," the UWA tweet said.

A Ugandan government spokesman said the two people rescued were located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and both were unhurt.

The Uganda Police Force provided a few more details in a tweet. "Police & its sister security agencies have today rescued Ms. Kimberley Sue, an American tourist together with her guide who were kidnapped while on an evening game drive at Queen Elizabeth National park. The duo are in good health & in the safe hands of the joint security team."

The pair were abducted between 6 and 7 p.m. Tuesday at gunpoint, police reported.

Endicott's driver was identified as "senior guide" Jean Paul Mirenge Romezo.

Two other tourists who were on the drive but were not abducted contacted a camp manager, "who rescued them," police said.

Using the victim's phone, the kidnappers demanded a $500,000 ransom, police said.

An official with Wild Frontiers, the Safari company with which Endicott was traveling when she was seized, told The New York Times that the company paid a ransom. But the amount was not clear.

ABC News also reported that a ransom was paid, though the amount was not specified.

"Pleased to report that the American tourist and tour guide that were abducted in Uganda have been released. God bless them and their families!" President Donald Trump tweeted at 12:50 p.m. Sunday.

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.