The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have arrested six more people linked to a recent attempted suicide bombing in Kampala. This is part of a larger operation to break up terror cells connected to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group tied to the Islamic State.
The arrests come just days after a female suicide bomber, Aisha Katushabe—also known as Sumayiyah Byaruhanga or Kabonesa—was stopped near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine on June 3. The UPDF had been monitoring her movements and intercepted her just 600 meters from her suspected target.
Katushabe, who arrived on a boda-boda motorcycle, died when her suicide vest exploded during the confrontation. The boda-boda rider also died. Security officers believe the blast would have killed many people if she had reached the crowded shrine during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations.
Katushabe was not new to security forces. She had been arrested in 2023 for suspected ADF ties but was released due to lack of evidence. She is believed to be the daughter of a suicide bomber who attacked Kampala Central Police Station in 2021 and the widow of another ADF member killed in previous operations.
After the failed attack, UPDF intelligence teams quickly acted and captured six more suspects, including a man named Musana Yusuf. Some of the suspects were found with important items like laptops and bullets that could help trace other members of the group.
Colonel Chris Magezi, the UPDF’s Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said the new arrests are a big step forward. Experts are now examining DNA, explosive fragments, and digital devices found at the scene to uncover more about the group’s network.
Security forces have since increased protection around major religious sites and public gatherings in Kampala. Authorities have asked the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
The ADF has been responsible for several planned attacks in Uganda in recent years, often targeting busy and vulnerable locations like places of worship and city centers. In January this year, over 100 people were arrested in similar counter-terror operations.
This latest operation shows Uganda’s growing ability to stop attacks before they happen. But the UPDF says fighting terrorism is an ongoing mission that needs community support, strong investigations, and cooperation with neighboring countries.
