Uganda terrorist attack: Hampstead Norreys couple killed while on honeymoon

A Hampstead Norreys couple have been murdered while on honeymoon in Uganda.

They are among three reported dead after a “cowardly terrorist attack” in Queen Elizabeth National Park yesterday (Tuesday).

The couple have been named locally as David and Celia Barlow.

Posting on its Facebook page St Mary’s Church, Hampstead Norreys, said: “We wake today with a heavy heart and the deepest sorrow to hear the devastating news of the death of Dave and Celia Barlow. This is for so many of us, incomprehensible.

“Our thoughts are with their families, their much-loved friends and all who knew them in Hampstead Norreys and our wider community.

“We also remember the family of their Ugandan guide, who was also killed.

“Words cannot express how to react to this dreadful news.”

Tributes have been pouring in for the murdered couple.

A spokesperson for Hampstead Norreys Parish Council said: “Our community is currently in shock at this terrible news.

“David was an exceptional chairman who served Hampstead Norreys Parish Council for more than a decade.

“He was a pillar of the community, always prioritising their needs, especially during the flooding incidents that affected the village.

“He was a strong advocate for the local schools and his life was dedicated to the betterment of the community where he grew up and lived.

“It is difficult to express in words the extent of his contributions, and the village will undoubtedly be poorer without him.

“On behalf of the council and the local community, we would like to extend our condolences to David and Celia’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Deputy leader of West Berkshire Council, Jeff Brooks, added: “We were shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news.

“David Barlow was a valued parish council chairman and colleague who gave his all to the community he served.

“It is unthinkable this should happen when two people are on their honeymoon.

“They will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of David and his wife Celia.”

Uganda Police have said they believe the trio were killed by ISIS-affiliated terrorist group, Allied Democratic Forces.

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), shared by the Ugandan police force, the attack took place on October 17 at around 6pm on the Katwe-Kabatooro Murram road.

A Ugandan police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said: “We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

“The three were killed and their safari vehicle burnt.

“Our joint forces responded immediately upon receiving the information and are aggressively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed the attackers remain at large.

President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri K Museveni, condemned the attack and sent his condolences on X today.

He said: “It was a cowardly act on the part of the terrorists attacking innocent civilians and tragic for the couple who were newlyweds and visiting Uganda on their honeymoon.

“Of course, these terrorists will pay with their own wretched lives.

“However, killing these wretched individuals will not bring back the lives of these wonderful friends of Uganda who had chosen our country for their honeymoon.

“Our High Commission in the UK will reach out to their families and provide whatever support is necessary in this tragic situation.

“May their souls rest in eternal peace.”

St Mary’s Church, Hampstead Norreys is open for private thoughts and prayers and invites people to light a candle in their memory.