Security authorities are conducting an investigation into the discovery of an explosive device in a church’s public address system in Butambala. The incident was reported by Pastor Sam Kamomo, the senior pastor of Raising Gospel Church in Kibibi, who had received a consignment of electronic equipment as a donation from an unidentified benefactor.
The consignment, intended to consist of three speakers, microphones, and other items for the church choir, was delivered by an individual named Ssemwanga in a vehicle. The pastor had not recorded the vehicle’s number plate or the donor’s identity. Upon opening the package, Kamomo noticed a suspicious small box, prompting him to contact the Butambala police. Worshipers were subsequently evacuated for safety.
Upon the arrival of a counter-terrorism team, sniffer dogs detected the presence of explosive materials within the speakers and microphones. During a controlled detonation, a metallic food flask containing powder-like chemicals was discovered. Notably, Ssemwanga had also donated similar items to a nearby church, but no explosives were found in their consignment.
The joint security team, comprised of JAAT, Crime Intelligence Directorate, and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, has arrested a 20-year-old man. During a search of his residence, they recovered a laptop, solar panels, phones, and a motorcycle battery, among other items.
Fred Enanga, the joint security spokesperson, emphasized that while Uganda is predominantly peaceful, there are sporadic security threats, particularly from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). ADF elements have been infiltrating Uganda following operations against them in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Museveni cautioned the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the nearest police authorities. He also advised caution regarding long-absent relatives, as they may be connected to terrorist activities.
The Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been conducting operations against ADF hideouts in DRC since December 2021, resulting in the death of numerous ADF fighters and the recovery of weapons. The DRC government has permitted the UPDF to extend its operations to pursue ADF fighters in new areas, which the UPDF is currently targeting with fighter bombers.
