Security Agents in Uganda Foil Planned Martyrs’ Day Terror Attack at Munyonyo Shrine after Timely Intelligence

“Their aim was to hit a massive gathering. It was not their choice to detonate at that place. Some bullets were discharged. Our actions caused the explosives to go off. It was not voluntary. Sometimes, they prefer to die instead of being captured,” Col. Magezi said.

The motorcycle used in the foiled attack was registered under the name Musana Yusuf, whose identity and connection to the suspects is being investigated, according to Col. Magezi

The annual Uganda Martyrs Day takes place at Namugongo Shrine in Uganda’s Kampala Catholic Archdiocese.

In the June 5 interview, Col Magezi identified the alleged suicide bomber as Aisha Katushabe, also known as Sumayiyah Byaruhanga or Kabonesa, a woman in her twenties who he said “was previously arrested in October 2023 over alleged ties to the ADF.”

He disclosed that on June 1, security forces apprehended an operative from the ADF who provided critical information about an imminent attack targeting the celebrations in Munyonyo Shrine and Namugongo Shrine.

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“Two days before the incident, we arrested one of the ADF operatives, and he gave us information on their planned attack,” Col. Magezi stated.

He noted that while the exact strategies of the foiled attacks were unknown, security forces were on high alert both at Munyonyo Shrine and Namugongo Shrine.

“We were aware of the threat and had deployed accordingly. We didn’t know if they would use boda bodas (bikes), cars, or come on foot, but we were prepared for any scenario,” Col. Magezi said.

He added, “The UPDF and our intelligence teams have top-level capabilities – not only to detect threats but also to disrupt and completely derail enemy missions. We successfully neutralized the situation.”

The UPDF spokesperson further said, “Many people are grateful for the work we did. Of course, there are a few who didn’t appreciate it, but we respect freedom of speech; everyone is entitled to their opinion. Regardless, we remain committed to doing our work.”

Col. Magezi urged the public to “remain calm but vigilant and report to the security services any suspicious individuals, objects or activities for immediate attention.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.