The UPDF has provided more details about the suspected suicide bomber killed near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala.
Two people who were travelling on a motorcycle died during the explosion that went off on Tuesday morning .
The UPDF said a lady who carried the explosive was the passenger on the motorcycle.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, Col. Chris Magezi, the acting Defence Public Information Officer, identified the suspect as Aisha Katushabe.
He said Katushabe was the daughter of Abdul Shakur, the suicide bomber behind the November 2021 attack on the Central Police Station (CPS) in Kampala, revealing chilling familial ties to past acts of terrorism.
The UPDF said Katushabe, who’s in her 20s, was intercepted by security personnel on Tuesday morning approximately 600 meters from Munyonyo Basilica before the explosive device she was carrying detonated.
According to Col. Magezi, preliminary investigations point to the involvement of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a known terrorist organization operating in the region.
“She had previously been arrested in 2023 over terrorism-related suspicions but was released due to lack of evidence,” Magezi revealed.
He further disclosed that Katushabe was the wife of the late Muzafar, who was killed in 2021 while attempting to attack mourners at the home of the late Lt. Gen. Paul Lokech.
Security agencies had increased surveillance at all pilgrimage sites after receiving intelligence that ADF operatives were planning attacks during the Martyrs’ Day period. Magezi confirmed that recent arrests had provided vital intelligence.
“Crucial intelligence had been obtained from a suspect arrested last week, which led to the prevention of what could have been a major tragedy,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the man who was riding a motorcycle with Katushabe at the time of her interception.
The motorcycle was registered under the name Musana Yusuf, although security has not yet confirmed a direct connection between him and the suspect.
Meanwhile, Col. Magezi assured the public that security remains tight.
“Security remains on high alert and surveillance will continue in and around Namugongo until the last pilgrim departs,” he stated.
He also underscored the broader threat to the region, saying: “The Great Lakes region remains volatile, and we must stay alert. Terrorism knows no borders.”
