The Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF) on Tuesday morning derailed a planned terror attack in Munyonyo, Kampala by killing two suspected terrorists, just a day before the country marks its Martyrs Day celebrations.
Local authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the pair, the name, or the terror group they are affiliated with, or the structure they were targeting, but suspect that the attack was meant to interfere with proceedings ahead of the Martyrs Day event, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from Uganda and adjacent nations.
According to Uganda’s Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, the UPDF rushed into action following intelligence reports about a planned attack.
“A UPDF counter-terrorism unit this morning intercepted and neutralised two armed terrorists in Munyonyo, an upscale city suburb. It was an intelligence-led operation,” Magezi said in a statement on X.
He also added that security has been tightened in Munyonyo and key pilgrimage sites in Namugongo, the venue of the celebrations, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities.
“Security services are on heightened alert to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption. The general public is urged to remain calm but vigilant and report to the security services any suspicious individuals, objects or activities for immediate attention.”
The incident occurred just 30 kilometres from the main Martyrs Day events in Wakiso District, where over two million people are expected at Namugongo Catholic and Anglican site to commemorate Ugandan Christians executed for their faith in 1885 and 1887.
The mass went on without interruption with President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, attending prayers at the Anglican site in Namugongo.
Ugandan authorities have, in recent years, stepped up surveillance during major public events, citing threats from the Allied Democratic Forces ( ADF ), a rebel group linked to the Islamic State Group, responsible for past attacks.
While no group had claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s explosion, defense officials said the operation had likely hampered a planned attack.
Written by Sophie Kilusu.
