Panic in Kampala as Female Suicide Bomber Killed in Foiled Attack at Kalerwe Market

Panic swept through Kalerwe Market on Sunday morning after a suspected female suicide bomber was shot and killed by security personnel, narrowly preventing what officials believe could have been a devastating terrorist attack in one of Kampala’s most crowded commercial hubs.

The incident unfolded shortly after 9 a.m. when surveillance teams operating in the area identified a woman acting suspiciously. Preliminary assessments suggest she was carrying an improvised explosive device (IED), prompting an immediate response by security forces. According to sources close to the operation, she was shot before she could activate the device. Authorities say the swift action likely averted mass casualties, given the heavy weekend foot traffic in the market.

In the aftermath, security forces moved quickly to cordon off the area, with officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Police Counter-Terrorism Directorate taking the lead in sweeping the scene for any secondary threats. “The bomb squad is on the ground conducting thorough investigations,” the UPDF confirmed in a brief statement posted on X. They added that efforts were underway to determine the exact nature of the explosive and whether the suspect was acting alone or as part of a coordinated plot.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion. “There was a shout, then a few warning shots, and people started running in every direction,” said a vendor who operates a stall near the market’s main entrance. “Within minutes, soldiers and police were everywhere, telling us to move back.”

Security officials have not disclosed the identity of the woman or confirmed her affiliations, but intelligence analysts suggest the incident bears the hallmarks of terror groups that have in recent years targeted public spaces in East Africa. “While we can’t confirm anything yet, the possibility of links to radical networks remains high,” said a senior counter-terrorism official who declined to be named, citing the sensitivity of ongoing investigations.

This is not the first time Kampala has faced such threats. In recent years, Uganda has heightened its security posture in response to attempted attacks and growing concerns over the presence of extremist cells. Markets, transport terminals, and religious centers have all been flagged as potential targets, leading to periodic sweeps and enhanced surveillance.

On Sunday, the immediate priority for authorities was to secure the area and reassure the public. By midday, bomb experts had cleared the market, though the zone remained under tight watch, with forensic teams combing through evidence. “The situation is under control,” a spokesperson for the security forces confirmed. “We commend our operatives for their swift and courageous action.”

As investigations continue, the focus has now shifted to identifying possible collaborators and uncovering the broader context of the foiled attack. Residents, though rattled, have been urged to remain calm but alert, and to report any suspicious activity to authorities. The Uganda Police has promised to provide further updates as more details emerge.