In East Africa, where tragedy was narrowly averted in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, following a suspected terrorist attack just hours before one of the country’s most important religious holidays.
Ugandan security forces report that two suspected rebels — including a female suicide bomber — were killed early Tuesday morning in an explosion near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, a revered Catholic site on the outskirts of Kampala. The attack took place as thousands of worshippers were beginning to gather for Martyrs’ Day, an annual event honoring Christians executed in the 19th century for their faith.
Military officials say the two individuals were intercepted by Uganda’s counterterrorism unit in the upscale suburb of Munyonyo. According to Army Spokesperson Chris Magezi, one of the suspects was carrying a significant amount of explosives and appeared prepared for a suicide attack. He praised the swift action of security forces for “neutralizing” the threat before any civilians were harmed.
Police confirmed the blast occurred while the two suspects were traveling together on a motorcycle. Uganda Police Chief Abas Byakagaba told local broadcaster NBS Television that “fortunately, no bystanders were injured,” despite the explosion sending debris flying across the area.
Footage aired by NBS showed a shattered motorbike and scorched fragments littering the street — stark reminders of how close the attack came to disrupting a peaceful religious gathering.
While no group has claimed responsibility yet, authorities believe the individuals were linked to the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF — a rebel faction with a long and violent history in the region. Formed in Uganda in the 1990s, the ADF has since relocated its operations to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and has pledged allegiance to ISIS.
The group has been blamed for numerous deadly attacks, including a string of bombings in Kampala in 2021, and has been accused by the United Nations of widespread atrocities, including mass civilian killings.
In the wake of Tuesday’s foiled plot, security has been tightened across Kampala, with increased patrols and checkpoints to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents. Martyrs’ Day, which commemorates Christian saints who were martyred in the late 1800s, continues to hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Ugandans — and this year’s observance was marked by both solemn reflection and heightened vigilance.
For now, the city remains on alert, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger coordinated effort. We will continue to monitor developments in Kampala.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
