Six improvised explosive devices (locally made booms) were recovered and detonated in two days that is, on Sunday 3 and Monday September 4, 2023 in the areas of Kampala and Wakiso districts.
This was confirmed by the Uganda Police Force spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred Police on Monday immediately after the operation, saying that.
“As you are all aware on the 3.09.2023, at around 11am, the Joint Police Team of CT, K9, CI and Territorial Police, that was deployed at Miracle Centre, intercepted a terrorist who had disguised as a churchgoer, and recovered an IED, at the main entrance of the Church, in Kayanja Triangle Zone, Lubaga Parish in Kampala District..
Immediately after his arrest, he was handed over to the Joint Anti-terrorism Task Force (JATT), CMI, ISO, CI, and the scene jointly processed by the bomb squad and the Forensic experts. The IED was detonated at the scene. The scene was re-examined and the following items recovered, a dry battery (D and K-1987), detonator card, a container of powder, 57 nails of 4 inches, yellow cello tape, a phone battery itel and its housing and burnt parts of the black bag. There was no danger to the church members or damage to the church.
The suspect Kintu Abdulahuman a 28 year old, resident of Mbizinya village, Buwama sub county in Mpigi district, was also found in possession of a remote control boom. He was on the wanted list of CMI. Upon interrogation the suspect admitted that they were 6 terrorists behind the plot, and further led the Joint Team of JATT officers, CMI, CI CID, KMP and Forensics, to their rented two roomed house, at Luungujja zone 8, where 3 other constructed IEDs were recovered. The rental units belonged to the Seventh Day Adventist. The bomb experts also detonated the 3 IEDs and further recovered ingredients of evidential value.
The IGP has applauded the Counter –terrorism officer, for his initial efforts and vigilance. He used his instincts and expertise and used a bomb detector on the suspected black bag, which detected the suspected IED. As a result, the terror plot was thwarted before it could advance further. This serves as another reminder for continued vigilance.
And further applaud the JATT teams of CMI, CI, ISO and Police teams of CID, KMP, K9, Forensic, who worked tirelessly to neutralise the imminent terrorist threat. The intention of the suspect was to enter, place, discharge or detonate the IED at Miracle Centre Church, with the intent to cause death or severe bodily injury. Investigations continue to establish the whereabouts of his co-conspirators who are still at large.
We would like to inform the public that the arrest and counter-terror operation has not significantly charged the security level in the country. A threat environment still exists and as always we have taken measures to respond and mitigate all forms of terror threats. Yesterday’s incident is also another reminder to Ugandans and other citizens in the country, that terrorism is real, which calls for vigilance as they go shopping, travelling at places of worship, partying and celebrating, for any suspicious objects, unusual activity or behaviour.
As of today, an additional 5 suspects have been arrested in connection with the IED planted on Mabiito area, within Nateete Central B zone, Lubaga division in Kampala district. Another IED was recovered, abandoned at Peaceful Guest House in Ngobe-Bunamwanya, which brings the total number of IEDs, recovered and detonated within the two days of 3.9.2023 to 4.09.2023, to 6. The number of suspects arrested who are now linked to ADF has increased to 6.
The Counter – terror operations are active and ongoing. “SCP Enanga Fred Police Spokesperson said on Monday 4th September 2023.
