A British couple, David and Celia Barlow, from Hampstead Norreys near Newbury in Berkshire, has tragically been killed alongside their guide while on their honeymoon in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. The news of their deaths has deeply saddened their local community.
Hampstead Norreys Cricket Club expressed their grief, stating that the couple would be “desperately missed.” The parish council paid tribute to Mr. Barlow, describing him as an “exceptional chairman” who dedicated over a decade to serving the council and the community, always prioritizing their needs.
The couple’s tragic loss has left the community in shock and sorrow. Richard Davies, church warden at St. Mary’s Church in Hampstead Norreys, expressed his sorrow, saying, “We wake today with a heavy heart, and the deepest sorrow to hear the devastating news of the death of Dave and Celia Barlow.” He added that words could not express the reaction to such dreadful news.
The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by local authorities, including the burning of their vehicle after the couple and their guide were killed.
Hampstead Norreys Cricket Club affectionately referred to Mr. Barlow as “Lord Barlow” and praised Mrs. Barlow, who was born in South Africa, as “an amazing human who will be desperately missed.”
Belmond, the travel company that referred to her as Celia Geyer, also paid tribute, describing her as a “true pioneer at heart and a highly respected leader in our industry.”
Toby Harris, a member of the village parish council, fondly remembered Mr. Barlow as a “very genuine person” who was approachable and down to earth.
The UK minister of state for development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, expressed shock and sadness over the horrific attack and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. He urged British nationals in Uganda to follow travel advice.
Local authorities in Uganda are actively investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of the British couple and their guide.