2 suspected rebels killed in Kampala blast near Martyrs’ ahrine – Officials

Two suspected rebels, including a female suicide bomber, were killed early Tuesday morning in an explosion near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.

The blast occurred just hours before thousands of faithful were expected to gather at the site for Martyrs’ Day commemorations, one of the most significant religious holidays in the country.

No other injuries or fatalities were reported, and authorities say the swift intervention of security forces may have prevented a major tragedy.

Ugandan police spokesperson Fred Enanga told reporters that security personnel had been tracking the suspects and were closing in when the explosion occurred around 5:00 a.m. local time.

“The incident appears to be an attempted suicide attack targeting pilgrims on their way to the shrine,” Enanga said. “Fortunately, the bomb detonated prematurely, killing the two suspects — one of whom was a female suicide bomber. No civilians were harmed.”

The Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, located in the southern part of the capital near Lake Victoria, is a revered site in Uganda’s Christian community.

It honors the memory of the 22 Catholic and Anglican converts who were executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith.

The explosion came just hours before the start of the annual Martyrs’ Day pilgrimage, which draws tens of thousands of Christians from across Uganda and neighboring countries.

Police and military had already heightened security ahead of the event, which has previously been identified as a potential target for extremist violence.

Images from the scene showed debris scattered near a security checkpoint at one of the entrances to the shrine. Police sealed off the area as bomb squads combed for secondary devices and investigators collected evidence.

The Daily Monitor and New Vision newspapers both reported that the two suspects were carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), and that one of the suspects detonated the bomb, killing herself and her male accomplice.

While no group has yet claimed responsibility, police say early indications point to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist extremist group with ties to the Islamic State (ISIS), as the likely perpetrators.

The ADF has carried out a series of deadly bombings and attacks in Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years.

“This attempted attack bears the hallmarks of ADF tactics — targeting soft civilian gatherings and using female operatives,” said a senior counterterrorism official speaking on condition of anonymity.

“The timing and location were clearly designed to maximize casualties and generate fear on a sacred national day.”

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condemned the incident in a brief statement posted on social media, praising the security forces for preventing what he called “a heinous act of terror.” He urged the public to remain calm and to cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.

“The enemies of peace will not succeed in disrupting our unity or our faith,” Museveni said. “Let us stand strong as a nation and continue with our Martyrs’ Day celebrations in honor of those who gave their lives for what they believed.”

The Uganda Police Force said it had deployed additional officers to all religious sites and public gatherings nationwide.

Pilgrims arriving at the Martyrs’ Shrine Tuesday morning passed through multiple checkpoints, with security personnel conducting body searches and scanning bags.

Despite the attempted attack, thousands of Christians went ahead with the annual pilgrimage, many saying the incident strengthened their resolve.

“We are not afraid,” said Sister Beatrice Namusoke, a Catholic nun who had traveled from Masaka. “Just like the martyrs, we are here to show that our faith cannot be shaken.”

The incident serves as a stark reminder of Uganda’s vulnerability to extremist violence, even as the country seeks to maintain peace and security during key national events.

Authorities say a full investigation is underway to determine the identities of the attackers and to uncover any wider terror network involved.