As Uganda prepared to mark Martyrs Day, one of its most significant religious observances, a suspected bomb explosion rocked the vicinity of the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala on the morning of June 3, 2025. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of two suspected terrorists, has cast a shadow over the annual commemoration, but authorities have assured the public that security remains firmly under control.
The Incident: Explosion and Security Response
According to eyewitness accounts and official statements, the explosion occurred as two individuals—a man and a woman riding a motorcycle—approached the church compound during early morning prayers. The blast, which was described as alarmingly loud and audible from a considerable distance, detonated midway towards the church. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed that the suspects were intercepted and neutralized in an intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation. One of the suspects, a female, was identified as a suicide bomber carrying powerful explosives.
Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, stated, “A UPDF counter-terrorism unit this morning intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo. One of the terrorists, female, was a suicide bomber laden with powerful explosives”. No casualties among security forces or bystanders were reported, and the area was immediately cordoned off for further investigation.
Heightened Security Ahead of Martyrs Day
The incident occurred just a day before Martyrs Day, an annual event on June 3 that draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda and neighboring countries to the shrines at Namugongo and Munyonyo. Given the scale of the event and the history of security threats from groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), authorities had already implemented heightened surveillance and security measures. The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, reassured the public, stating, “There has been an explosion but the most important message to our people is that they should remain calm. We are in control. We are preserving this scene to ensure it is well investigated”.
Security agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity as investigations continue. The swift response by security forces was credited with preventing a potentially more devastating attack during a period when large crowds were expected to gather for the religious festivities.
The Significance of Martyrs Day
Martyrs Day is a cornerstone of Uganda’s religious and national identity. It commemorates the execution of 45 young men—22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans—by Kabaka Mwanga II between 1885 and 1887 for their refusal to renounce Christianity. The annual pilgrimage to the martyrs’ shrines is both a spiritual journey and a symbol of national unity and resilience. The day serves as a reminder of the martyrs’ courage and the enduring power of faith in the face of persecution.
In recent years, the event has drawn millions of pilgrims, with the government deploying thousands of security personnel to ensure peaceful celebrations. The attack near Munyonyo underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Uganda, particularly during major public gatherings.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Assurance
While the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, the attack has been linked to the broader threat posed by the ADF, a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State that has carried out previous attacks in Uganda. The UPDF, in collaboration with regional forces, has intensified operations against the ADF in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the decimation of several of the group’s camps.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the public and ensuring that Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption. “The security services are on heightened alert to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption,” Colonel Magezi emphasized.
Conclusion
The suspected bomb explosion near Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine on the eve of Martyrs Day is a stark reminder of the persistent security threats facing Uganda. However, the swift and decisive action by security forces has helped avert a larger tragedy and reassured the public of their safety. As pilgrims gather to honor the memory of the Uganda Martyrs, the nation stands united in faith, resilience, and vigilance, determined not to let acts of terror undermine its most cherished traditions.