The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has sanctioned charges of murder and terrorism against a man who allegedly murdered two honeymooning foreign tourists and their local guide in a national park last month.

Rashid Abdul Kyoto alias Njovu alias Tembo, also faces charges of aggravated robbery and belonging to a terrorist organisation. The offences elicit a maximum sentence of death, upon conviction.

He is expected to appear before Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court Monday at 2:00pm for the charges to be read to him by a magistrate.

A Briton national David Barlow, his South African wife Celia and the guide, Eric Ayai were murdered in an attack on October 17, 2023, while on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

During the attack, two motor vehicles; a Mercedes Benz Cargo Truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser were burnt and the passports, money and visa cards of the tourists and identity card, employment card, and driving permit of the Ugandan were taken by the suspect and his associates.

Prosecution–guided investigations were commenced by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

Consequently, Kyoto Abdul Rashid was arrested in an operation by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Marine Forces on Lake Edward. 

Two of his associates were shot dead and others managed to escape in a boat with their weapons.