Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has revealed more details about a foiled terrorist attack near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, confirming the identity of the female suicide bomber killed during Tuesday morning’s intelligence-led counter-terror operation.
The explosion occurred near a church in Munyonyo, a lakeside suburb of Kampala, where a congregation had gathered for early morning prayers ahead of the Uganda Martyrs Day commemorations.
The bomber, identified as Aisha Katushabe, also known as Sumayiyah Byaruhanga or Kabonesa, was intercepted at around 8:30 AM, just 600 metres from her intended target.
“We engaged them, and the explosive she was wearing went off. The rider also died,” Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, told journalists on Tuesday evening, adding that both suspects were killed on the spot.
Pressed to clarify if the detonation was voluntary, Magezi said, “It was not their choice to detonate at that place. Some bullets were discharged, and our actions caused the explosives to go off. Sometimes, they prefer to die instead of being captured.”
The UPDF Spokesperson linked the attack to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State. “These preliminary findings point to ADF operatives. This was meant to be a big attack on pilgrims,” he said.
Katushabe, according to Col Magezi, had previously been arrested in October 2023 for alleged links to ADF but was released due to insufficient evidence at the time. “This should show you that Uganda’s security and justice systems try to be fair. But today we’ve been vindicated, she was a terrorist,” he said.
Magezi further noted that the operation turned successful after another suspect, arrested earlier with a laptop and ammunition, provided critical intelligence that helped preempt a larger catastrophe.
About the boda boda motorcycle used in the foiled terror operation, security sources said it was registered to a one Musana Yusuf, whose connection to the suspects is still under investigation.
Despite the incident, no civilian casualties were reported, and security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, and both the Uganda Police and UPDF bomb squads maintained a heavy presence throughout the day.
“Our security posture will remain the same until everyone has disappeared from Namugongo,” Magezi said, adding, “We congratulate our forces for preventing catastrophe.”
In a related development, Col Magezi also clarified about recent controversial UPDF raids on police stations, and assured the public that action would be taken.
“Our agencies will meet and decide where the problem could have come from. We UPDF punish our soldiers who offend the law. If we find out that our soldiers committed a crime, we shall address it so that we keep working together,” he said.
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