Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have revealed that the female suicide bomber killed in a swift operation near Kalerwe Market on Sunday had been under tight security surveillance for three consecutive days.
Addressing journalists at the army headquarters in Mbuya on Sunday, June 22, a few hours after the killing was reported, UPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye confirmed that intelligence teams had been closely monitoring the suspect’s movements and intent to strike.
“Three days of constant surveillance by intelligence. She rose early on Sunday to complete her mission. Fortunately, we were on her trail,” Gen. Kulayigye stated.
The suspected attacker, riding on a boda boda, reportedly ignored a security command to stop at the Gayaza flyover. According to UPDF, she continued toward Kalerwe Market before being intercepted and neutralized.
“She was shot at the entrance to the market. A bag she carried was retrieved, and the bomb squad successfully defused the explosive device,” Kulayigye narrated.
He revealed that the bomb had been ingeniously rigged to the zip of the suspect’s bag, meaning it would have detonated the moment it was opened.
The boda boda rider abandoned the motorcycle and fled the scene. Brig. Kulayigye said preliminary assessments suggest the rider was likely unaware of his passenger’s intentions, but security is tracing him for further questioning.
Additionally, one civilian is said to have been injured during the Sunday morning operation.
This marks the second suspected suicide bomber neutralized by security forces in under a month. On June 3, a suspected bomber was shot and killed at Munyonyo Basilica during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations.
Asked about the pattern of extrajudicial killings of suspects instead of arrests, Kulayigye defended the military’s response.
“Everyone has their capabilities. Just as you are professionals in journalism, we are professionals in intelligence. What matters is that we stop them before they strike,” he said.
Kulayigye further warned that intelligence reports have pointed to renewed threats from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) cells, with plots targeting markets, places of worship, and other public areas.
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