Suicide bomber killed in Uganda on Christian holy day, army says

Two people, labeled "armed terrorists" by the Ugandan army, were killed in Kampala. This incident occurred on Martyrs Day, a Christian celebration honoring 19th-century martyrs.

A counter-terrorism unit "intercepted and neutralized" the two suspects in Munyonyo. One of them was identified as a suicide bomber, according to army spokesperson Chris Magezi.

The event took place near the Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs' Shrine. A small group had gathered there to pray when the incident happened. Local media reported an explosion during this time.

An eyewitness told Uganda's Daily Monitor that "the explosive detonated midway towards the church." Fortunately, there were no other casualties reported by Reuters.

The army spokesperson did not confirm the explosion but noted heightened alertness among authorities. Col Magezi stated that one suspect was a female suicide bomber with powerful explosives.

Footage from NBS Television showed security and forensics personnel at the scene. They had sealed off the area following the incident.

Col Magezi mentioned that both individuals were believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The ADF is affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group but has not commented on this event.

Uganda has faced threats from this group historically. Last year, citizens were warned about potential attacks on places of worship and public events.

In 2022, the ADF was accused of a deadly attack on a Ugandan school, killing nearly 40 students.

Martyrs Day is one of Africa's largest Christian pilgrimages. Millions attend each year to honor 45 martyrs killed between 1885 and 1887 by Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their faith.

The monarch demanded they return to traditional religion but they refused. As a result, they were accused of disobedience and burned to death.