KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan authorities say a U.S. citizen and a local driver have been kidnapped in a national wildlife park.

A statement Wednesday from the Uganda Media Centre said the two missing people were taken in an ambush on Tuesday by four gunmen in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The statement said four other tourists were "left abandoned and unharmed" and later were taken to safety after reporting the incident to authorities.

It said a rescue party of police, military and game rangers has been sent to find the abducted people.

Kidnappings in Uganda's protected areas are rare. Queen Elizabeth National Park, in southwest Uganda, is a popular safari destination in this East African country.