A tense situation unfolded at Kalerwe Market early Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through vendors, motorists, residents, and churchgoers after security operatives shot and killed a suspected female suicide bomber.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying moments surrounding the attempted bombing, which brought business to a standstill and plunged the busy market into turmoil.
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Security teams cordoned off several roads around the area during the operation, which reportedly involved a chase and confrontation with the woman believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) later confirmed that the suspect, who was carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), was shot dead as she attempted to enter the market.
According to Army spokesperson Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the woman had been under surveillance for three days.
“We had intelligence that she was targeting Kalerwe Market for a bombing. When our team intercepted her outside the market and she failed to comply, they neutralized her,” Kulayigye stated.
He further noted that the suspect had taken a boda boda from Busega. The rider is now being pursued by security officials. One civilian is said to have been injured during the incident.
Mustafa Lukenge, one of the vendors, recalled that the day had begun with rumours of a possible attack, which many dismissed.
“We had heard about terrorist threats to markets like ours but didn’t take them seriously. Then around 6:00 am, gunshots erupted. People screamed, ‘Bomb! Bomb! Terrorists!’ and chaos broke out,” Lukenge told URN.
The market quickly descended into disorder as vendors and customers ran in all directions, toppling stalls and merchandise. Matooke seller Ibrahim Katende said the event brought business to a halt for the entire day.
Kampala Metropolitan North regional police commander Moses Nanoka, who visited the scene, urged traders to stay vigilant.
“Be alert. Don’t accept to hold bags for strangers. Pay attention to people’s behavior, how they talk, and how they approach you,” Nanoka cautioned.
The incident follows a similar one on June 3, when another suspected female suicide bomber was shot near the Uganda Martyrs Basilica in Munyonyo, sparking growing fears of coordinated attacks by the ADF.
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