The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have identified the female suicide bomber who was intercepted just 600 meters from Munyonyo Basilica on Martyrs’ Day as Aisha Katshabe, a known associate of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Katshabe, who also went by the aliases Sumaya Byaruhanga and Kabonesa, was killed instantly when her explosive device detonated during a confrontation with security personnel.
The revelation was made by UPDF Defence Public Information Officer Col. Chris Magezi, who addressed the press shortly after the main Martyrs’ Day prayers concluded at Namugongo and Munyonyo shrines.
“This morning at around 8:30AM, our counter-terrorism units intercepted a suicide bomber riding on a motorcycle, just 600 meters from the Munyonyo Basilica, which was clearly her target,” said Col. Magezi.
He added: “Had she managed to infiltrate through, we would be talking about a completely different story today. But our security teams engaged her, and ultimately, the explosive device she was wearing or carrying in a backpack went off. She died instantly, along with the motorcycle rider.”
The female assailant, according to intelligence records, had previously been arrested in October 2023 over links to ADF. Investigations now confirm that she was part of a larger network planning attacks on worshippers and pilgrims during the Martyrs’ Day commemorations.
“All preliminary findings, and strongly so, point to ADF operatives,” Magezi explained.
“This lady had been in our custody before. She was interrogated for her ties to ADF. Her name is Aisha Katshabe, also known as Biarohanga Sumaya and Kabonesa. She was in her twenties.” he added
Further intelligence has linked Katshabe to a family of known terrorists. Her husband, Muzaffaru, was killed in 2021 by counter-terrorism forces during a foiled attempt to bomb the funeral of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police. Additionally, she was the daughter of Abudu Shakur, the suicide bomber who blew himself up at CPS Kampala during the 2021 twin attacks near Parliament Avenue.
“So, these are strong links to the ADF which we knew about,” Col. Magezi noted.
Security agencies had already been on high alert following intelligence reports that ADF operatives were planning attacks on this year’s Martyrs’ Day events.
“Two days ago, we arrested another suspect who is now in custody,” Magezi added. “He was found with laptops and several rounds of ammunition. During interrogation, he provided very useful information that helped guide our operations today.”
Despite the attempted attack, this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations concluded peacefully, with millions of faithful attending prayers at the Catholic Shrine, Anglican Shrine, and Munyonyo Basilica.
“We commend the security services for again pulling off this momentous event. It involves multitudes of worshippers, millions of faithfuland we have yet again delivered safety to all who turned up for prayers today,” said Col. Magezi.
“Thanks to our forces, nobody has died, nobody is injured. Although there were attempts to cause harm, they were defeated by the vigilance of our teams on the ground.”he further stated
Col. Magezi also praised the joint efforts of the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and intelligence units for their coordination and rapid response.
“We congratulate all the security forces today,the UPDF, the Uganda Police Force, and the intelligence services—for preventing a catastrophe. We could have been talking about many people dead and injured, and an entire city in panic,” he stated.
The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to continue dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety of Ugandans, especially during high-profile public and religious gatherings.