Kidnappers demand $500K ransom for US tourist snatched in Uganda

Gunmen who kidnapped an American tourist and her driver in a Ugandan national park have demanded a ransom of $500,000 (445,000 euros), police said Wednesday as they launched a hunt for the perpetrators.

"The kidnappers, using the victim's phone, have demanded $500,000. We strongly believe this ransom is the reason behind the kidnap," said a statement from police spokeswoman Polly Namaye.