The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have confirmed that the foiled suicide bombing near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine on Tuesday morning was carried out by a female operative with ties to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group.
The suspect, known to authorities under multiple aliases including Aisha Katushabe, Byaruhanga Sumaya and Kabogoza was killed along with a motorcycle rider.
According to the UPDF spokesperson, Col Chris Magyezi, Katushabe was under surveillance by counter-terrorism forces due to her past affiliations with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
“She was intercepted 600 meters from the Munyonyo Basilica, which we believe was her intended target. Our counter-terrorism units acted swiftly, preventing what could have been a devastating attack during the Martyrs Day celebrations,” Col Magyezi said.
Initial reports showed that the explosive device detonated during the security interception, killing both the attacker and the motorcycle rider.
Security forces suspect the motorcycle may have been registered under Musana Yusuf, and efforts are ongoing to confirm whether he was the rider or another accomplice.
Katushabe’s ADF Background
UPDF sources revealed that Katushabe was previously arrested and interrogated in October 2023 due to her links to the ADF.
She is also the daughter of Abdu Shakur, the suicide bomber who carried out the deadly 2021 attack at the Kampala Central Police Station, and the widow of Muzafaru, an ADF fighter who was killed while planning attacks on high-profile religious and public gatherings in the same year.
“These familial and operational links confirm the continued threat posed by ADF networks, especially their targeting of soft, symbolic religious events like Martyrs Day,” he said.
Read Also:Suspected Bomb Blast Kills Two Near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine
The UPDF also disclosed that just two days before today’s incident, a separate ADF-linked suspect was arrested in possession of laptops and live ammunition.
Intelligence gathered from that arrest provided critical information that helped disrupt today’s attack.
The Munyonyo Basilica, one of the key sites for Uganda Martyrs Day commemorations, was locked down and the scheduled 9 a.m. Mass was cancelled for security reasons.
Joint forces from the UPDF, Uganda Police, and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATF) remain deployed in the area as investigations continue.
“We commend the vigilance and coordination of our forces.Without their swift action, this day could have ended in tragedy,” Col Magyezi stated.
The public has been urged to remain calm and vigilant as security operations continue across Kampala and other key religious sites.
