On June 3, 2025, Ugandan security forces neutralized two suspected terrorists, including a female suicide bomber, in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala, during an intelligence-led operation targeting a planned attack on the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine. The incident occurred during Uganda’s annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations, which commemorate 45 Christian converts executed between 1885 and 1887. The event draws millions of pilgrims, making it a high-profile target.
The two suspects, one identified as a female suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest, were intercepted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) near the Munyonyo Basilica. According to Colonel Chris Magezi, UPDF spokesperson, the suspects were shot during the operation, triggering an explosion that killed both. No bystanders were harmed. Intelligence reports indicated the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an extremist group linked to the Islamic State, planned to disrupt the Martyrs’ Day event. The female bomber was reportedly the daughter of a suicide bomber involved in the 2021 Kampala Central Police Station attack, highlighting a chilling connection to prior ADF operations.
The ADF, founded by Ugandan Muslims in the 1990s and now based in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has a history of deadly attacks, including the 2021 Kampala bombings and a 2023 school attack that killed nearly 40 students. The foiled Munyonyo attack underscores Uganda’s ongoing security challenges, with authorities on heightened alert during major public gatherings. The UPDF’s swift action, informed by a suspect arrested days earlier, prevented a potential catastrophe.
This incident highlights the persistent threat of terrorism in Uganda, particularly from the ADF, and the critical role of intelligence in thwarting attacks. The connection to the 2021 bombings raises concerns about the recruitment of family members into extremist networks. Uganda’s Martyrs’ Day, a significant cultural and religious event, remains a focal point for security efforts to protect civilians.
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