A frightening scene unfolded at Kalerwe market on Sunday morning, sparking panic among vendors, motorists, residents, and churchgoers after security operatives shot dead a suspected female suicide bomber.
Several vendors have since shared chilling accounts of the moments before and after the explosion threat, detailing how the incident disrupted their livelihoods and plunged the bustling market into chaos.
Security agencies sealed off multiple access roads around the market following the operation, which involved a reported chase and confrontation with the suspect believed to be affiliated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) later confirmed that the woman, who was carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), was shot dead as she attempted to enter the market.
Army spokesperson Gen Felix Kulayigye revealed that the suspect had been trailed by security personnel for three days prior to the incident.
“We had intelligence that she was planning to bomb Kalerwe market. When our team stopped her outside the market and she refused to comply, they opened fire, killing her instantly,” Kulayigye said.
He added that the suspect had boarded a boda boda at Busega. The rider is currently being sought by security forces. One person was reportedly injured during the operation. Mustafa Lukenge, a vendor at the market, recounted how the day began with rumours of terror threats that few took seriously.
“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,” Lukenge told URN.
In the ensuing stampede, vendors and customers fled in different directions, knocking over stalls and merchandise. Ibrahim Katende, a matooke vendor, said the situation disrupted their entire day.
Kampala Metropolitan North regional police commander, Moses Nanoka, who visited the market after the incident, urged 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 advised.
The incident comes just days after another female suspected suicide bomber was shot near the Uganda Martyrs Basilica in Munyonyo on June 3, further raising concerns over potential coordinated attacks by the ADF.
