Shocking Twist: Woman Once Freed Over ‘Lack of Evidence’ Turns Out to Be Bomber
In a dramatic turn of events, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) revealed that the suicide bomber behind Tuesday’s failed attack near Namugongo shrines was a woman previously released from custody in 2023.
Security forces identified the suspect only as Katushabe, a known associate of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—a terrorist group linked to ISIS. She was arrested in October 2023 over suspected terrorist ties but was later released.
“We didn’t have sufficient evidence. This should show you that Uganda’s security and justice systems try to be fair. But today we’ve been vindicated—she was a terrorist,” said a UPDF spokesperson.
Mission to Kill Hundreds at Martyrs’ Shrine Foiled
According to the UPDF, Katushabe was intercepted near a church in Munyonyo, just 600 metres from the Munyonyo Basilica. Thousands had gathered there for Martyrs’ Day celebrations, Uganda’s largest religious event.
“At around 8:30am, we intercepted a suicide bomber 600 metres from the ultimate target,” said Col Chris Magezi, acting Director of Defence Public Information.
“We engaged them, and the explosive she was wearing went off. The rider also died.”
The blast occurred near a small congregation preparing for morning prayers at the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine.
Violent End to A Deadly Plan
Col Magezi explained that UPDF fire triggered the premature detonation.
“Their aim was to hit a massive gathering. It was not their choice to detonate at that place,” he said.
“Some bullets were discharged. Our actions caused the explosives to go off. It was not voluntary.”
UPDF noted that suicide bombers sometimes choose death over capture.
A Chilling Family Legacy of Terror
Authorities say Katushabe was the daughter of a suicide bomber who detonated himself at Kampala Central Police Station. She was also widow to another ADF militant, killed in 2021 while plotting an attack at a funeral.
“These are strong ADF links we had been monitoring,” Magezi explained.
“Intelligence knew the group was planning to attack pilgrims.”
A second suspect had been arrested days earlier with ammunition and a laptop, providing key information that helped thwart the plot.
Still Under Investigation
Police are now probing the involvement of Musana Yusuf, who registered the motorcycle used in the attack. His relationship to the suspects remains unclear.
Despite the near-tragedy, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni safely attended the celebrations at the Anglican shrine in Namugongo, over 30 km from the blast site.
ALSO READ: National Assembly Rejects Senate’s Ksh 60B Amendment of County Allocation Funds
Shocking Twist: Woman Once Freed Over ‘Lack of Evidence’ Turns Out to Be Bomber
