Munyonyo, Uganda: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) operatives on Tuesday morning neutralized two suspected suicide bombers during a security operation in Munyonyo, Kampala, just ahead of today’s Martyrs Day celebrations.
According to military and police sources, the operation was “intelligence-led” and targeted the suspects as they allegedly attempted to access Munyonyo Basilica, one of the key Catholic religious sites linked to the Uganda Martyrs.
“Our specialised counter terrorism combat unit opened fire at the terrorists, sparking an explosion that killed them,” said a senior security source familiar with the operation.
Preliminary reports from the scene indicate the attackers were wearing suicide vests and were travelling on a boda boda motorcycle that was completely destroyed in the blast. Body parts believed to belong to the attackers were found scattered at the scene.
UPDF spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi, in a statement issued shortly after the incident, confirmed that the suspects were intercepted and neutralized during a coordinated security operation.
“A UPDF counter-terrorism unit this morning intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo, an upscale city suburb. It was an intelligence-led operation, and the security services are on heightened alert to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption,” Col Magezi stated, urging the public to remain calm but vigilant.
Security operatives, this publication spoke to, said the suspected terrorists had been under surveillance and were intercepted moments before allegedly hitting their target.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a joint team of military and police bomb squad units quickly secured the site, which has since been sealed off as forensic experts comb for evidence, and investigations are now underway to determine the identities of the suspects, their intended targets, and whether they were part of a broader terror network.
While no group had claimed responsibility by Tuesday mid-morning, defence officials said the operation had likely disrupted a planned attack.
The thwarted attack comes at a time when Uganda remains on heightened alert amid ongoing threats from extremist groups believed to be targeting high-profile religious and public events.
Uganda Martyrs Day, commemorated every June 3rd, marks the execution of 45 Christian converts between 1885 and 1887. It is one of the country’s most significant religious holidays, attracting millions of pilgrims from across Uganda and neighbouring countries.
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