A suspected bomb explosion near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine in Kampala claimed two lives early Tuesday morning as Ugandans gathered to commemorate Martyrs’ Day, one of the country’s most solemn public holidays.
According to local media outlets Daily Monitor and New Vision, the blast occurred in the upscale suburb of Munyonyo, just hours before thousands were expected to attend events honoring Christian converts martyred in the 19th century. NBS Television aired footage showing the aftermath—debris, a motorbike, and a lifeless body sprawled across the road.
Ugandan Army spokesman Brigadier Felix Kulayigye confirmed that a counter-terrorism unit had “intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists” near the shrine. Police Chief Abas Byakagaba stated that the explosion came from a motorbike with two individuals on board. “Fortunately, there were no other civilians nearby who were injured,” he said.
Security forces quickly sealed off the area, restricting public access and heightening surveillance around the shrine. “The security services are on heightened alert to ensure Martyrs’ Day celebrations proceed without disruption,” the army said in a statement on X.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion. However, suspicion may fall on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group allied to Islamic State (IS), which has previously carried out deadly attacks in the capital. In 2021, IS claimed bombings in Kampala that killed seven people.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to secure the area and maintain public safety.
