The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory following a terror-related incident at Kalerwe Market in Kampala, Uganda, on Sunday, June 22, where a suspected female suicide bomber was killed.
MARKET CORDONED OFF AFTER BOMBING ATTEMPT
Authorities confirmed that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) intervened to neutralize the suspect before she could detonate her explosives in the bustling market. The site, a popular hub often frequented by locals and some Kenyan nationals, was immediately cordoned off for forensic investigations.
The U.S. advisory highlighted:
“Reports of an explosion with casualties near Kalerwe Market in Kampala have been confirmed. The area has been closed off for investigation. U.S. residents are urged to avoid the vicinity and prioritize their safety.”
UPDF: A FOILED TERROR ATTACK
UPDF Spokesperson Major General Felix Kulaigye disclosed that swift action by security forces prevented what could have been a large-scale tragedy.
“We strongly believe the suspect targeted Kalerwe Market,” Kulaigye stated, emphasizing that the crowded venue was a likely focus of the failed attack.
Local and international security teams remain deployed on-site to uncover the origins of the attack and determine potential links to regional terror groups.
RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ON HIGH ALERT
In response to the incident, U.S. authorities advised their citizens in Uganda to avoid the area, maintain a low profile, and stay vigilant about their surroundings.
Residents in Kampala and neighboring areas have been urged to inform friends and family of their whereabouts and report suspicious activities immediately.
A SECOND TERROR ATTEMPT IN WEEKS
This attempted bombing follows another high-profile incident on June 3, when an explosion near a Roman Catholic shrine killed three suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, including a suicide bomber. That attack targeted Ugandan locals celebrating Martyrs Day at the religious facility.
Security experts have linked both incidents to the ADF, a notorious Congo-based rebel group with a history of orchestrating violence in the region.
KENYA ON ALERT AMID U.S. TRAVEL WARNINGS
The U.S. Department of State has also flagged Kenya as a country of concern due to ongoing threats of violence. On June 12, the U.S. issued an advisory warning American citizens to steer clear of Nairobi’s Central Business District amid violent protests marked by the use of tear gas and live ammunition.
The escalating instability in Uganda and Kenya underscores the growing threat of regional unrest, with both countries remaining vigilant to safeguard residents and visitors alike.
