Kampala, Uganda – The Ugandan army says it has killed two individuals described as “armed terrorists” in the capital, Kampala, as the country marks Martyrs Day, a significant Christian celebration. The incident took place in the upmarket suburb of Munyonyo, near the Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, where large crowds had gathered for prayers.
Army spokesperson Chris Magezi stated that a counter-terrorism unit “intercepted and neutralized” the two suspects. One of those killed was identified as a female suicide bomber “laden with powerful explosives.”
Local media reported an explosion in the area, with an eyewitness telling Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper that the blast occurred as the two individuals approached the church on a motorcycle. Reuters news agency reported no other casualties among civilians.
While the army spokesperson did not directly confirm the explosion, he stated that authorities were on “heightened alert” to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceeded without disruption. Footage from Uganda’s NBS Television showed security and forensics personnel sealing off the scene of the incident.
Colonel Magezi informed Reuters that the two individuals are believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. The ADF has not yet commented on the incident.
Uganda has historically faced threats from the ADF. Last year, the army issued warnings to citizens about the group’s plans to attack places of worship, public events, schools, and urban areas. A year prior, in 2023, the ADF was accused of a deadly attack on a Ugandan school that resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 students.
Martyrs Day, observed annually on June 3rd, is one of Africa’s largest Christian pilgrimages, drawing millions of believers to commemorate 45 people – 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans – who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith.
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