Uganda: Suicide Bombing Foiled in Kampala on Martyrs Day
Ujasusi Blog’s East Africa Monitoring Team | June 5, 2025 at 0330 BST
On Uganda’s revered Martyrs Day—an occasion that draws millions of Christian pilgrims annually to honour 45 faithful killed for their beliefs in the late 19th century—a major terror incident was thwarted in the capital, Kampala. According to Ugandan military sources, two individuals described as “armed terrorists,” including a female suicide bomber, were intercepted and killed by a specialised counter-terrorism unit in the upscale suburb of Munyonyo.
The planned attack, which occurred near the Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine, has reignited fears about the growing threat of jihadist violence in East Africa, particularly from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated terror group operating from neighbouring regions.
Counter-Terrorism Forces Thwart Deadly Attack in Munyonyo
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) revealed that their counter-terrorism operatives “intercepted and neutralised” the two suspected terrorists. Colonel Chris Magezi, the army spokesperson, stated that one of the deceased was a female suicide bomber “laden with powerful explosives.” The confrontation occurred in close proximity to the Martyrs' Shrine, where thousands had gathered for prayer and reflection.
Footage from NBS Television depicted a heavy security and forensic presence at the scene, with the area sealed off immediately after the incident. According to local media and eyewitness accounts, the two suspects approached the church on a motorcycle moments before an explosion was heard. Although the UPDF did not officially confirm the blast, they noted that security across Kampala has been placed on “heightened alert.”
Possible Link to Islamic State Affiliate: ADF
Colonel Magezi told Reuters that preliminary intelligence points to the suspects’ affiliation with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist organisation with known links to ISIS. The group, originating in western Uganda but now primarily operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has a documented history of executing violent attacks against civilians, particularly in Uganda and eastern DRC.
The ADF has not issued a statement on the Kampala incident, but this attempted bombing comes amid increasing warnings from Ugandan authorities about the group’s activities. In 2024, the UPDF had alerted the public about ADF's intentions to target worship centres, schools, public gatherings, and other civilian-rich areas. The group was also responsible for a 2023 school massacre in western Uganda that claimed the lives of nearly 40 students.
Martyrs Day: A Holy Day Under Threat
The incident has cast a shadow over Martyrs Day, one of the largest religious pilgrimages on the African continent. The day honours 45 Ugandan Christian converts—22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans—who were executed between 1885 and 1887 under the rule of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for their refusal to abandon Christianity.
The Christian faithful, both local and international, gather annually at the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines—including the Munyonyo shrine where the attempted bombing occurred—to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of these martyrs. Their legacy represents spiritual resilience in the face of persecution, a symbol now under threat by extremist ideologies.
Regional Security Implications: ADF's Expanding Reach
The attempted attack in Kampala underscores the persistent and evolving threat of jihadist terrorism in East Africa. The ADF, though originally a Ugandan rebel group, has increasingly aligned itself with ISIS’s transnational jihadist goals. Over the past three years, intelligence reports have indicated a surge in ADF recruitment, training, and operational reach, extending from eastern DRC into Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and even as far as Tanzania.
Strategic Outlook:
Resurgence of Terror Networks: The Islamic State’s footprint in Africa, particularly through affiliates like the ADF and ISCAP (Islamic State Central Africa Province), is becoming more pronounced, with local grievances being weaponised for extremist recruitment.
Soft Targets in Urban Settings: The selection of a high-profile religious event like Martyrs Day suggests a tactical shift toward symbolic, high-impact civilian targets.
Gender in Terrorism: The involvement of a female suicide bomber is indicative of a growing trend where terror groups utilise women to evade traditional security profiling.
Uganda’s Counterterrorism Readiness
This successful pre-emption of a terror attack demonstrates the increasing sophistication of Uganda’s counter-terrorism units. However, it also signals the need for:
Heightened Surveillance During Religious Events
Improved Intelligence Sharing with Neighbouring States
Strengthened Border Security, Especially With DRC
Public Awareness Campaigns on Recognising Suspicious Behaviour
The government’s ability to act on credible intelligence likely averted a mass-casualty event. Nonetheless, the psychological impact of such a threat lingers, especially given Uganda’s violent history with terrorist attacks, including the 2010 Kampala bombings by Al-Shabaab.
Repression vs Counterterrorism: Lessons for the Region
The Kampala incident raises broader questions about how East African states respond to terrorism. While hard security measures are necessary, heavy-handed state repression, curtailment of civil liberties, and political crackdowns often create fertile ground for radicalisation. Analysts warn that stifling dissent or religious expression—under the guise of security—can backfire, turning disenfranchised individuals into recruits for extremist causes.
In the context of countries like Tanzania, where political repression and the rise of watu wasiojulikana (unknown assailants) are increasingly discussed, this case serves as a crucial reminder: genuine counterterrorism success lies not just in kinetic action but in addressing the root causes of extremism—marginalisation, state brutality, and lack of economic opportunity.