2025 began with gusto: USAID suspensions, Trump-era trade sanctions causing their fair share of economic debates, the ongoing Umeme and UEDCL electricity dramas, and more notably, a worrying surge in terrorist activity. It all started on Martyrs’ Day, when a suicide bomber detonated their payload near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine, followed by a second attempted attack at Kalerwe Market just recently. But shockingly, emerging reports now suggest these Kampala bombings might have been orchestrated or exaggerated by high-ranking military personnel seeking to access counter-terrorism funds or fast-track promotions.
The Martyrs’ Day incident unfolded on June 3, when a motorcycle carrying a man and woman approached the shrine, drawing suspicion from security forces. Moments later, the woman reportedly detonated an improvised explosive device, killing herself and her male companion but sparing civilians. Authorities hailed this as an intelligence-led victory against Islamic State–linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.
On the morning of June 3, 2025, as thousands gathered for Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, a shocking explosion echoed near the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in the Munyonyo suburb. Fortunately, thanks to a swift and targeted operation by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), two suspected terrorists, a man and a woman, were neutralized before they could cause harm.
This intelligence-led operation, carried out by a specialized counter-terrorism unit, was a proactive move to prevent a potential attack on one of the most significant sites for the annual Martyrs Day events – UPDF kills Suspected Terrorists During Martyrs’ Day Celebrations
Less than three weeks later, another suspect was shot dead at Kalerwe Market while allegedly attempting a similar suicide bombing, once again credited to fast-reacting counter-terrorism teams.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recently posted on their social media platform, X, announcing that they had successfully neutralized a female suicide bomber in Kalerwe Market. Accompanying their statement was a graphic photograph showing a woman lying on the ground, a bag positioned nearby – UPDF Kills Another Suicide Bomber in Kalerwe Market
However, these official narratives are now under intense scrutiny. A high-level inquiry led by Deputy Chief of Defence Lt Gen Sam Okiding has launched investigations into whether these bomb plots were staged or intentionally mishandled to justify operational budgets, secure promotions, or gain praise. The arrests of two senior Defence Intelligence and Security officers, Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe and Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, have amplified public suspicion. Sources within the military confirm they were detained for their alleged roles in planning and allowing these incidents to occur under questionable circumstances.
This has left Ugandans deeply rattled. For a country that has battled genuine terror threats for decades, the thought that some leaders might exploit public fear for personal gain risks undermining hard-won public trust in security forces, who have often been credited with maintaining relative peace despite the volatile regional climate.
According to reports from multiple Ugandan media houses, a joint investigative team involving the police, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), the External Security Organisation (ESO), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Special Forces Command (SFC) has been tasked to unearth the full truth behind these bombings. They will look into claims that fabricated or exaggerated threats were used as a smokescreen to access more funding for military operations, or to reposition certain officers within the defence command structure.
Who are the UPDF officers in trouble over fake Kampala bombing claims? – The Monitor, Uganda.
Authorities have called for patience, urging the public to wait for the final report from Lt Gen Okiding’s committee. In the meantime, observers are keeping a close eye on any court proceedings involving Col. Ahimbisibwe and Lt. Col. Byaruhanga, who are currently in military custody. Many are demanding transparency, including the publication of the committee’s findings and a plan to rebuild public confidence in Uganda’s counter-terror efforts.
