In a tense and potentially catastrophic incident, Ugandan police detained a 28-year-old man on September 3 who was allegedly carrying an explosive device intended for a church attack in the capital city of Kampala. Authorities are currently on a manhunt for three other individuals believed to have been dispatched on similar bombing missions within Uganda.
While the precise motives behind this unsettling plot remain unclear, the incident has raised concerns about potential terrorist activities in the region. Notably, the Islamic State (IS)-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) has previously executed deadly bomb attacks in Uganda.
The ADF, which was originally a Ugandan rebel group, was defeated and driven out of Uganda over two decades ago. Since then, the group has sought refuge in the dense jungles of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, using it as a base of operations to continue its violent activities.
The detained suspect has been identified as Kintu Ibrahim. He was apprehended just as he was preparing to enter the Lubaga Miracle Centre, a Pentecostal church located in the Lubaga suburb of southern Kampala.
As per police spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the security forces received intelligence indicating potential attacks on places of worship and promptly initiated surveillance on Ibrahim.
"We got information that one terrorist had already been sent out to go and carry out a mission, so they followed the terrorist," Onyango stated.
Upon detaining the suspect, the police discovered an improvised explosive device in his possession. Authorities successfully detonated the device without incident. During subsequent questioning, Ibrahim reportedly confessed to being part of a group of four individuals tasked with executing similar attacks in the area.
"He's helping us locate those people," Onyango disclosed, emphasizing that the detained suspect is now facing terrorism-related charges.
The incident has heightened security concerns across Uganda, prompting increased vigilance and security measures around places of worship and public spaces. Ugandan authorities are cooperating with international intelligence agencies to ascertain any potential links to broader terrorist networks and to ensure the safety and security of the country's citizens.
As the investigation unfolds, Uganda remains on high alert, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and protect the safety of its residents.
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