Tributes to Hampstead Norreys couple, David and Ceila Barlow, killed while on their honeymoon in Uganda

Tributes have been flooding in to newlyweds killed while on their honeymoon in Uganda.

David and Celia Barlow, from Hampstead Norreys, had married on Saturday in Mrs Barlow’s home country of South Africa, where they had been joined by family and friends from the village.

They were enjoying their honeymoon in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, in Uganda, when they were killed in a “cowardly terrorist attack” on Tuesday.

Uganda Police have said they believe Mr and Mrs Barlow, and their Uganda guide, were killed by ISIS-affiliated terrorist group, Allied Democratic Forces.

Mr Barlow was a well-known figure in the community; he was the chairman of Hampstead Norreys Cricket Club and the parish council chairman.

The cricket club has said in a statement that it was a privilege to have known ‘Lord Barlow’ as he was affectionately known by many.

Oliver Laurence, the club’s secretary, added: “Dave has been a constant around the Hampstead Norreys Cricket Club for many, many years, and among the many of us who had the privilege to share a joke with him, play cricket with him, and watch as he took wicket after wicket with his famously slow action was a treat.

“He was at the time this incident occurred with the most important person in his life, a woman who we all knew so well, as Dave was so proud to share all of Celia's achievements. She too was an amazing human being, who will be desperately missed.

“Lord Barlow as we fondly know him by will be with us forever. The entire club's thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Celia's families right now.

“I was so excited at the future of HNCC with Dave by my side as our chairman. I will, we will, take a moment before moving forward. But, I know deep down Dave would want us to thrive, and we will in time honour him in the right way, and at the right time move forward as he would want.

“Right now though, it's about his family, and close friends and all of us.”

Newbury MP Laura Farris said she has written to the Foreign Secretary to ask the Government to give its support to the Ugandan authority’s investigations.

“The murder of David and Celia is a despicable and inhumane act against a couple innocently enjoying their honeymoon – an event that should have been the happiest of times,” she added.

“I know the close-knit Hampstead Norreys community and Thatcham, where David and his family ran their business, must be shocked to the core by these terrible events and my heart goes out to family and friends grieving for them.

“David served with dedication as Chair of Hampstead Norreys Parish Council for many years and the couple were much-loved and respected in their community. It is a loss that will be hard to bear.

“I have written to the Foreign Secretary today asking the Government to give its full support to the Ugandan authorities in bringing the perpetrators of this senseless terrorist act to justice.”

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.”

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

Tributes to the couple on the church’s Facebook page have spoken of shock at the devastating news.

“David was a lovely neighbour of ours for many years. All our love to the family as well as the community of Hampstead Norreys,” said one.

Another person wrote: “I’m devastated to hear this news. Such a tragedy.

“I’ve known David for almost 40 years having gone to The Downs with him.

“He will be sorely missed.”

One writer described them as “such a lovely couple” and said the news was “very difficult to take in and process”.

President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri K Museveni, condemned the attack and also sent his condolences to Mr and Mrs Barlow’s families on X (formerly Twitter).