The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, has asked pilgrims and worshippers celebrating the Uganda Martyrs at Munyonyo Basilica to be alert following a foiled terror incident.

The incident occurred today, Tuesday morning, when a female suicide bomber wearing a suicide vest was neutralized by Uganda’s counterterrorism unit at Munyonyo Basilica before she could step into the church to detonate the explosives.

The incident sent shock waves and panic to worshippers in the church after the suicide vest went off, making a loud sound. 

Speaking about the incident, Byakagaba assured pilgrims of security but cautioned them to be vigilant.  

“An explosion occurred, but the most important thing is to stay calm.” We are in control. All the security forces are present here. We are just preserving this scene to ensure that it is well investigated,” he said. 

The bomber was neutralized together with a bodaboda rider she was moving with on the motorcycle.

Body parts of the attackers are still lying at the scene along with the motorcycle that was destroyed in the blast.

Byakagaba said no civilian has been injured. 

“So far, no bystanders or people nearby have been injured or dead, apart from those who were on the motorcycle. We ask our people to remain alert, to be conscious of the environment around them, and to ensure that they know and can account for whatever is within their environment. But the situation is under control. Let them continue with normal celebrations of Martyrs Day and all other activities. We assure them of security,” Byakagaba said.

Reports indicate that the female suicide bomber was the daughter of another terrorist who blew himself up at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) during the coordinated terror attacks in Kampala in 2021 that left dozens of people dead and many others injured.

By ChimpReports