Deadly Explosion in Kampala Targets Suspected Militants Near Religious Site
An explosion in Uganda’s capital claimed the lives of two individuals believed to be militants, including a female suicide bomber. The incident unfolded close to a prominent Catholic shrine during a major religious gathering.
Details of the Blast and Its Setting
The explosion occurred on Tuesday in Munyonyo, an upscale district of Kampala, just adjacent to the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine-a revered destination attracting thousands annually who commemorate 19th-century Christian martyrs.Fortunately, no civilians were injured amid the chaos.
Rapid Intervention by Security Forces
A military spokesperson confirmed that counterterrorism operatives engaged and neutralized two armed suspects at the scene.Among them was a woman equipped with sophisticated explosives intended for detonation. Local media footage revealed remnants of a damaged motorcycle and scattered debris along the roadway.
The police chief clarified that both suspects were riding on a motorcycle when the blast took place but reassured that no bystanders suffered harm during the event.
No Group Has Yet Claimed Responsibility
Authorities have not received any immediate claims from militant groups regarding this attack as investigations remain ongoing.
Potential Links to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Insurgency
A military official indicated possible ties between those involved and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an insurgent faction originally established within Uganda in the 1990s before shifting operations into eastern regions of neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
This group has openly embraced ISIL (ISIS) ideology and has been implicated in numerous deadly bombings across Uganda over recent years-most notably during 2021 when multiple attacks severely impacted national security.
A Legacy Marked by Brutality
The United Nations has condemned this rebel association for widespread human rights abuses throughout Central Africa, including massacres responsible for thousands of civilian deaths amid decades-long conflicts spanning several countries.
Enhanced Security Amid Martyrs’ Day festivities
Martyrs’ Day stands as one of Uganda’s most significant religious commemorations, drawing tens of thousands annually who honor historic sacrifices made for faith centuries ago. In response to this violent episode near such an emblematic site, security agencies have escalated patrols across Kampala to safeguard public events from further threats or attacks.
