By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1355 EAT on Monday 23 June 2025

A dramatic incident occurred at Kalerwe market on Sunday morning, sparking widespread panic among vendors, motorists, residents, and churchgoers after security operatives shot and killed a suspected female suicide bomber.

The scene was described as frightening, with the sudden and intense intervention by security forces likely causing significant distress to those in the area.

The swift action by security personnel was aimed at preventing a potential tragedy, given the suspicion of the individual being a suicide bomber. The incident has likely left a lasting impact on the community, with many witnesses still grappling with the shock of the event.

Vendors shared harrowing accounts of the moments leading up to and following the incident, describing how the suspected suicide bomber’s presence disrupted their livelihoods and plunged the market into chaos.

Security agencies sealed off access roads around the market after a reported chase and confrontation with the suspect, believed to be affiliated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The UPDF confirmed that the woman, carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), was shot dead as she attempted to enter the market.

According to Army spokesperson Gen Felix Kulayigye, security personnel had been tracking the suspect for three days prior to the incident, having received intelligence about her plans to bomb Kalerwe market. When stopped outside the market, the suspect refused to comply, prompting security forces to open fire, resulting in her instant death.

Gen Felix Kulayigye stated that the suspect had boarded a boda boda at Busega, and the rider is currently being sought by security forces. One person was reportedly injured during the operation.

Mustafa Lukenge, a vendor, described how the day started with rumors of terror threats that were largely dismissed.

Lukenge recounted the moment the situation escalated, saying, “We had heard people say terrorists were targeting some markets, including ours, but we didn’t believe it. Then, around 6:00 am, bullets started flying. People ran, shouting ‘bomb! bomb! terrorists!’ It was chaos.”

Ibrahim Katende, a matooke vendor, described the chaos, saying the stampede disrupted their entire day as vendors and customers fled in different directions, knocking over stalls and merchandise.

Kampala Metropolitan North police commander Moses Nanoka visited the market after the incident and advised vendors to remain alert and cautious. “Let’s stay vigilant. If someone comes with a bag and asks you to keep it, don’t accept. Observe people’s behaviour, how they approach you, and their tone,” Nanoka warned.

Another incident occurred just days before, on June 3, when a female suspected suicide bomber was shot near the Uganda Martyrs Basilica in Munyonyo. These incidents have raised concerns about potential coordinated attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here

Email: editorial@hicginewsagency.com TalkBusiness@hicginewsagency.com WhatsApp +256713137566

Follow us on all social media, type “HICGI News Agency” .