Security agencies have identified four suspects in connection with a series of bomb discoveries in Kampala over the past week. By the end of last week, multiple security organizations, including the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), and Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI), had apprehended six suspects.
The investigation began with the arrest of Abdullahim Kintu, who was allegedly attempting to smuggle Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) into a congregation at Pastor Robert Kayanja’s church in Lubaga Division, Kampala. Subsequently, Kintu provided information leading to the arrest of five other suspects.
Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, stated in a joint announcement that two of the suspects were released because of lack of evidence connecting them to the IEDs found at Pr. Kayanja’s church, Lungujja Zone Eight, Peace Guest House in Bunamwaya, and Mabiito Hub in Nateete.
Enanga emphasized that security agencies are still investigating whether the remaining four suspects have any connections to the explosives found in Nateete and Bunamwaya. However, it was confirmed that the four suspects are linked to the devices discovered at Kayanja Zone and Lungujja.
Reports of planned terror attacks on churches began circulating on September 2, and the first explosive device was discovered the following morning at Pr. Kayanja’s church. According to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Kintu had disguised the bomb as food within a flask.
“It was not easy to detect this bomb, but we commend our counter-terrorism officer for his vigilance. Even the sniffer dog failed to detect the bomb due to its concealment within food, resembling rice or posho,” he said. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martin Ochola, through Enanga, commended the diligence of the counter-terrorism officer who detected the concealed bomb when the sniffer dog could not.
Security agencies have urged Ugandans to remain vigilant, as the threat of terrorism persists, and the timing of potential attacks remains unpredictable. Enanga emphasized, “We still face significant terrorism threats, even after the recovery of six IEDs. We express our gratitude to intelligence services and KMP commanders for their efforts. We want to assure these terrorists that their actions will not intimidate us.”
President Yoweri Museveni called on Ugandans not to panic regarding terrorists linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), asserting that the ADF was significantly defeated in 2007 within Semuliki National Park. However, Museveni issued directives to churches, mosques, and entertainment venues, requiring individuals to present their National Identity cards before entry.
In 2021, ADF-linked terrorists carried out attacks in Kampala, resulting in casualties, including suspected suicide bombers. The most severe incidents involved explosive devices detonated at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) and Parliament Avenue, leaving numerous police officers injured.