A Kalerwe suicide bomber suspect was shot dead by security forces on June 22, 2025, at Kalerwe Market in Kampala City, averting what could have been a deadly terrorist attack. Authorities confirmed the female suspect had been under surveillance for five days before the operation.
According to Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information, the suspect was followed closely by intelligence operatives after initial alerts indicated she planned to target both a church and a market in the capital.
“For the last three days, intelligence was trailing a woman whom they understood had a mission to attack a church and a market,” said Gen Kulayigye. “She was being followed by intelligence personnel from the moment she left her location, particularly when she picked a boda boda rider at Busega.”
Intelligence Surveillance Before Kalerwe Suicide Bombing
Security agencies began monitoring the suspect’s communications on the third day of surveillance. This breakthrough enabled authorities to track her movement in real-time. Intelligence reports indicate the woman boarded a boda boda in Busega and traveled via the Northern Bypass.
Upon reaching the Kalerwe flyover, she was stopped by operatives. However, she ignored instructions and proceeded toward Kalerwe Market, where she was ultimately intercepted.
Kalerwe Suicide Bomber Carried Explosive Device
Gen Kulayigye said the Kalerwe suicide bomber was carrying a bomb inside her bag. The device was not strapped to her body, ruling out a vest-style explosive. After her death, the Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene.
“The bomb squad was called in, and the device was safely disrupted and later detonated in the presence of civilians and members of the media,” he explained.
Police secured the area as delivery trucks and market vendors were evacuated. The bomb squad conducted two controlled disruptions before final detonation.
Eyewitnesses Recall Kalerwe Market Chaos
Eyewitnesses at Kalerwe Market described the tense moments before the detonation. One vendor said, “There were warning shots, people screamed, and then security personnel arrived in large numbers.”
Clearing the area delayed the explosion slightly, but the operation was efficiently executed. It showed a high level of coordination between UPDF intelligence units and the counter-terror squad.
Suspect Not Yet Identified, May Have Foreign Links
Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the Kalerwe suicide bomber. Gen Kulayigye noted that the woman may be of Congolese origin based on appearance. Investigations continue to uncover her background and possible terrorist affiliations.
Terror Links: Kalerwe Incident Follows Kampala Bomb Attacks
This attempted bombing in Kalerwe came just weeks after another terror incident in Kampala. During the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Day celebrations, two suspects were intercepted near the shrine. Both were believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group affiliated with the Islamic State.
You can read more about that previous attack where two suspected ADF rebels were killed in a Kampala bomb blast.
For video coverage of the Kalerwe incident and its aftermath, you can also watch this official report on YouTube, which shows how police and security operatives handled the operation.
Authorities Urge Public Vigilance After Kalerwe Plot
Maj Gen Kulayigye urged all Ugandans to remain alert and report suspicious behavior. “These threats are real,” he said. “Security agencies are on high alert, but citizens must support counter-terror efforts.”
The Uganda Police Force continues working with military and international partners to prevent future suicide attacks and dismantle terror networks like ADF.
