Kampala, Uganda — A major terror attack was averted this morning after the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) counter-terrorism unit intercepted and neutralised two suspected terrorists, including a female suicide bomber, in Munyonyo—an upscale suburb of Kampala.
The intelligence-led operation took place at around 8:30 AM, just 600 metres from one of the key Martyrs Day worship sites. The attackers were reportedly en route to disrupt the national religious celebrations when they were intercepted and killed.
“One of the terrorists, a female, was a suicide bomber laden with powerful explosives. If she had reached her target, we would be talking about a catastrophe,” said Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information. He commended security agencies for their swift action that ensured safety for the millions of faithfuls who gathered at Namugongo.
The intercepted bomber has been identified as Aisha Katushabe, also known as Kabonesa, a woman in her twenties with a known history of radicalisation. Security sources revealed that she had previously been detained in October 2023. She is the widow of a known ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) fighter who was killed by security forces in 2021, and also the daughter of another ADF-linked individual responsible for the 2021 Kampala Central Police Station bombing.
“This was not her first interaction with law enforcement. Her radical lineage is well-documented,” Magezi added.
Col Magezi confirmed that today’s operation followed the arrest of another ADF-linked suspect two days earlier. The suspect, currently under interrogation, was found with laptops, ammunition, and critical information that pointed to a planned attack on Martyrs Day pilgrims.
“Intelligence indicated that ADF was actively targeting places of worship and gatherings, particularly during national events like today. Thanks to our teams, we disrupted this deadly plan,” Magezi said.
The main Martyrs Day events at Namugongo, including the Catholic Shrine and the Anglican Basilica, continued without incident. Thousands of pilgrims are now returning safely to their homes.
“We again thank our security forces for ensuring a peaceful and secure Martyrs Day. It could have been different,” Magezi concluded.
Security has been heightened across Kampala and other major towns in the wake of the attempted attack.
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