A suspected bomb explosion rocked Munyonyo in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, disrupting a large gathering commemorating Martyrs’ Day.
On the morning of Tuesday, a loud explosion occurred near the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, where people from across the country had gathered for the annual Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
Initial reports indicate that human body remains were found at the scene, along with fragments of a motorbike, raising suspicion that the person killed may have been involved in triggering the explosion.
Security forces including the military, police, and bomb disposal units quickly arrived and cordoned off the area to begin investigations. Forensic teams are combing the blast site to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced that its anti-terror unit had killed two armed attackers on Tuesday morning who were allegedly involved in the incident.
In a statement, the UPDF said:
“This operation was guided by credible intelligence, and security agencies are maintaining heightened alert to ensure Martyrs’ Day celebrations proceed safely and without disruption.”
It concluded:
“Citizens are urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious person, object, or activity to security agencies for timely action.”
The blast occurred amid tightened security in Kampala, due to the Martyrs’ Day commemorations which honor 45 Christian converts killed between 1885 and 1887.
Security officials had been on high alert for days, warning of potential threats from terrorist groups attempting to disrupt religious and public gatherings.
