The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) reported on June 22, 2025, that they had killed another suspected female suicide bomber in Kampala, this time at the bustling Kalerwe Market, one of the capital’s busiest trading centers. The operation, whose precise details remain undisclosed as security officials have yet to brief the media, involved the deployment of a bomb squad that is currently conducting investigations at the scene. The identity of the suspect has not been revealed.
This incident comes less than a month after a similar attack on June 3, 2025, when two suspected rebels, including a female suicide bomber, were killed near the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine in Kampala during Uganda’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations—a major Christian pilgrimage commemorating 19th-century martyrs. That earlier explosion occurred as crowds gathered to honor the martyrs, but fortunately, no civilians were injured in the blast. The two assailants were riding a motorcycle when the explosion took place, and the female bomber was reported to be carrying powerful explosives.
The UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi identified the suspects in the June 3 incident as likely linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group originally founded in Uganda in the 1990s but now operating mainly from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ADF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and has been responsible for multiple deadly attacks in Uganda, including bombings in 2021 and a brutal assault on a Ugandan school in 2023 that resulted in numerous student deaths. The United Nations has accused the ADF of committing widespread atrocities, including the deaths of thousands of civilians in the region.
The recent killing of the female suicide bomber in Kalerwe Market underscores the ongoing security challenges Uganda faces from insurgent groups like the ADF. Kalerwe Market, known for its dense crowds especially on weekends, represents a vulnerable target for such attacks, which could cause extensive civilian casualties if not intercepted. The UPDF’s swift action in neutralizing the threat before it could materialize into a mass casualty event highlights the heightened state of alert and proactive counterterrorism measures currently in place in Kampala.
While the UPDF has confirmed the death of the suspected bomber, the exact circumstances of how she was killed remain unclear, as neither the army nor the police have yet provided detailed information or addressed questions from journalists. The bomb squad’s ongoing investigations at the site aim to uncover more about the explosives involved and any possible accomplices or networks linked to the suspect.
This incident follows a pattern of attempted attacks by suicide bombers in Uganda’s capital, often targeting places of worship, public gatherings, and crowded urban areas. The government’s intensified security operations and intelligence efforts are critical to preventing further attacks and safeguarding the public, especially during significant events like Martyrs’ Day that attract large crowds.
In conclusion, the UPDF’s announcement of killing a suspected female suicide bomber at Kalerwe Market marks another episode in Uganda’s ongoing fight against terrorism, particularly threats posed by the ADF insurgency. While details remain limited, the incident reflects the persistent risk of attacks in Kampala and the importance of vigilant security measures to protect civilians from extremist violence. The authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations progress.