Six American tourists along with their driver experienced an unexpected delay lasting nearly three hours when they were detained for allegedly photographing Speaker Anita Among’s Bukedea Comprehensive School during a recent trip in Uganda.
The tourists, who are also involved in various non-governmental organizations including Arlington Academy of Hope Uganda (AAH) and Reach for Uganda, were en route from Sipi Falls to Murchison Falls National Park for a holiday excursion. Their journey took an unexpected turn when they approached Bukedea Comprehensive School, a place where some of their organization’s beneficiaries study.
According to sources, Richard Dick Burk, the president of one of the NGOs, requested the driver to slow down near the school so that his colleagues could observe it. However, before they could even stop or disembark, a vigilant watchman emerged and confronted them aggressively, forbidding any photography.
Despite trying to explain their affiliation and purpose, the group faced further trouble when later intercepted by ASP Joseph Okia near Kapir, Ngora District, approximately 15km from Soroti. Allegedly responding to calls about the tourists’ vehicle, ASP Okia detained them and initiated a lengthy process involving multiple phone calls to authorities.
The situation escalated as the tourists were redirected back to Bukedea, about 50km away, where they underwent over two hours of interrogation by local officials including the District Police Commander, Deputy Resident District Commissioner, and members of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Prisons department.
“We were questioned extensively about our intentions and whether we had trespassed,” one source recounted. “Despite explaining our connection to the school and attempts to verify with school officials, the process dragged on.”
After considerable delay and after their identities were thoroughly documented, the tourists were eventually released. “It was an unexpected delay that disrupted our plans. We were supposed to reach Murchison Falls National Park much earlier,” lamented one of the tourists.
Efforts to clarify the incident with local authorities and school administrators yielded mixed responses. While some officials confirmed the tourists’ story, others expressed concern over the security implications of their actions.
Chris Obore, director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament, acknowledged the incident, noting that while the tourists were eventually released due to the innocuous nature of their actions, their behavior initially raised suspicions.
The incident underscores the complexities of tourist interactions in sensitive areas and the need for clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
