Kampala, Uganda – Uganda remains on high alert after police successfully thwarted a potential terrorist attack targeting churches in the capital city of Kampala. The attempt, which took place on Sunday, was disrupted when 28-year-old Ibrahim Kintu, the suspected suicide bomber, was apprehended with a concealed improvised explosive device (IED) near a prominent mega-born-again church led by Pastor Robert Kayanja.
The alertness and swift action of law enforcement officials likely prevented a catastrophic incident. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the presence of an IED in Kintu’s possession, emphasizing the severity of the threat.
“Our technology confirmed that there was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the bag,” said Onyango.
The suspect, Ibrahim Kintu, had attempted to disguise the IED by smearing it with a food-like powder, making it appear innocuous. Onyango explained, “They had put powder, which if you’re checking, you’d think was rice or posho and then easily allowed him to enter with it. We’re still trying to look for the SIM card, which might have gotten lost during the controlled detonation.”
Ugandan security agencies had received intelligence indicating a looming terrorist threat, leading them to take proactive measures. “We got information that one terrorist had already been sent to carry out a mission. We had also put our intelligence into other places of worship, but we picked this one because it was more active. Police followed him, and he was arrested,” Onyango stated.
Kintu, currently in custody, is cooperating with Ugandan authorities to locate at least three more explosives believed to be in the possession of other individuals on a mission to harm worshippers. “We interacted with him, and he said they had sent them with four (bombs). He is in our custody, facing charges related to terrorism,” Onyango told journalists.
This alarming incident follows an updated travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom (UK) in early July 2023, warning of the heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Uganda. While such incidents are relatively uncommon in Uganda, the seriousness of this recent attempt underscores the need for heightened vigilance among the public.
Pastor Robert Kayanja, whose church was a potential target, expressed gratitude for the vigilance that prevented a potential disaster. “It is not something we are used to, but this is not a hoax. The bomb would have brought down the whole church. If there was no vigilance today, we would probably be mourning. I appeal to Ugandans to be vigilant,” he urged during his Sunday service at the Miracle Centre Cathedral in Rubaga.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in various parts of the world, including Uganda. The authorities are actively working to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s citizens and houses of worship.
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