KAMPALA, UGANDA: Uganda Police has Tuesday delivered an update on the explosion incident that occurred on a Swift Safaris bus at Lungala-Mpigi, along Kampala-Bushenyi highway saying one of the victims in the attack was a suicide bomber.
In a statement issued on Monday evening after the explosion, police had confirmed that two people died on the spot with several other passengers picking up minor injuries although the fatalities were yet to be identified by Monday evening.
However, while addressing the press on Tuesday in Kampala, Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga said they have confirmed that the bomb explosion at Lungala- Mpigi was a suicide bomb attack.
Enanga says the suicide bomber has been identified as Isaac Matovu, aged 23 years a resident of Kamuli A Zone in Kireka, Wakiso District.
“Matovu died on the spot. He was on the wanted list of the ADF sleeper cells, and we were tracking him as Mustafa,” said Enanga.
Matovu was in accompany of another suspected terrorist who disembarked the bus at Maya village, according to police.
“The other suspected terrorist who was in Matovu’s company disembarked the bus after telling the driver and conductor that he had to process some travel documents for his trip outside Uganda. We are hunting for him,” police spokesperson, Mr Enanga Enanga told journalists in Kampala.
The bus was transporting 52 passengers from Kampala to Ishaka in Bushenyi District. Police said 50 of the passengers survived unhurt.
According to police, Matovu alias Mustapha alias Muzafala has been on the watch list of Anti-Terrorism Task Force commonly known as JATT.
“We found a detonator, ball bearings and some wires on his seat after the explosion,” Mr Enanga said moments before President Museveni tweeted saying he (Matovu) was part of the Pader group that had allegedly been sent by ADF to blow up mourners during the funeral of the late deputy IGP Maj. Gen Paul Lokech’s funeral.
Enanga said several people that are suspected to be behind the recent explosions have been arrested. He said the components of the bomb on the bus are similar to the one that exploded in Komamboga.
“We want to assure Ugandans that despite these cowardly acts of terrorism from existing sleeper cells inspired by ADF, the joint security agencies remain committed with an unwavering resolve to protect you and visitors in the country,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to be vigilant as the perpetrators are aiming at soft targets/spots.
“These people are attacking soft targets (easily accessible sites), and transportation services. Owners of places of worship, crowded pedestrian areas, markets, those that are still opening bars and entertainment centers, are cautioned,” he said.
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