Kampala, Uganda JUNE 22, 2025: The Army -Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) said it neutralized a female suicide bomber in Kalerwe Market this morning. The army Spokesperson, Major General Felix Kulayigye, stated that the suspected terrorist had tergetted blowing up the market.
Kulayigye said the incident was part of a broader intelligence operation and the suspected had been on security radar for 3 days. According to Kulayigye, the suspect was trailed from Busega where she hired a Boda Boda and when operatives tried to stop her at the Kalerwe bypass junction, she refused. They followed and shot her as she approached the gate of the market.
He said the bomb squad was called up and an improvised explosive concealed in food flask was recovered in the bag the suspect was carrying. In particular, Kulayigye said the bomb had been surrounded with 6-inch nails and it’s trigger was connected to the zipper of the bag containing the bomb.
This comes just weeks after a similar terror-related incident earlier this month in Munyonyo, where two individuals described by the UPDF as “armed terrorists” were intercepted and killed by a counter-terrorism unit. One of them was identified as a female suicide bomber.
The operation occurred near the Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine during Martyrs Day celebrations, where a group had gathered in prayer. Reports at the time indicated an explosion occurred as the two approached the church on a motorcycle.
Army spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi stated that one of the suspects was “laden with powerful explosives.” Authorities believed the pair had links to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State.
Maj Gen Kulayigye however warned individuals who are mixing politics into security matters likening it to kids who are playing around the courtyard after a heavy lunch. He said the security agencies will not be distracted from their duty of keeping Ugandans safe.
