Tragedy struck Uganda’s capital on Tuesday morning after a suspected bomb explosion killed two individuals near a prominent church, military officials confirmed.
The blast occurred near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, a well-known Roman Catholic pilgrimage site in the southern part of Kampala. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed the deaths and said investigations are ongoing to establish the motive and those responsible for the incident.
According to reports by local media, including NBS Television, the explosion happened around 9:00 a.m. Witnesses told reporters that two people riding a motorbike were heading toward the shrine when the explosion went off.
“The explosive detonated midway towards the church. The sound was loud and could be heard from a considerable distance,” one witness recounted. “It caused panic in the area, and people were seen running in different directions.”
Security agencies, including bomb disposal units and counterterrorism forces, quickly arrived at the scene to cordon off the area and secure the site. Forensic teams were seen collecting evidence as police advised the public to avoid the area.
The motive behind the explosion remains unclear, though authorities have not ruled out terrorism. Uganda has experienced previous attacks by extremist groups, including Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State. However, no group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s incident as of yet.
In a brief statement, UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye said, “We confirm a suspected bomb explosion near Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine that killed two individuals. Investigations are ongoing, and we urge the public to remain calm but vigilant.”
The incident comes at a sensitive time as Uganda prepares to host upcoming religious and cultural events. Security has now been tightened around key installations and places of worship in Kampala.
Leaders from the Catholic Church and government have condemned the attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information to report to the police and are encouraging the public to be alert and report any suspicious activity.
