On the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs, when millions of faithful gather to honor the sacrifice of saints who gave their lives for Christ, tragedy was narrowly averted. In what could have become a devastating terrorist attack, Ugandan security forces acted swiftly to neutralize two would-be suicide bombers just 500 meters from the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine in Kampala.
“This morning, a UPDF [Uganda People’s Defence Forces] counter-terrorism unit intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo,” said a military spokesperson, as reported by Agenzia Fides, the official news outlet of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The spokesperson described the operation as “intelligence-led,” emphasizing the vigilance of the Ugandan Army and its commitment to ensuring the safety of the pilgrims gathered for Martyrs Day.
Every year, Catholics from across Uganda and neighboring countries make pilgrimages to sites associated with the Ugandan Martyrs—22 Catholic converts who were executed for their faith between 1885 and 1887. The Munyonyo Shrine holds special significance as one of the last places these martyrs were gathered before being taken to Namugongo for execution. It is fitting, then, that their memory would be honored with the same unwavering courage and sacrifice they once embodied.
The threat came in the form of two attackers wearing explosive vests, one of whom was identified as Aisha Katushabe, a woman in her twenties with known ties to the Islamist rebel group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). According to Reuters and Agenzia Fides, Katushabe was not only the daughter of a suicide bomber but also the widow of another suspected terrorist. Her partner in the attack rode with her on a motorcycle registered to a man named Musana Yusuf. Military sources stated that when the counterterrorism unit opened fire, it “sparked an explosion that killed them.”
Though no other injuries were reported, the attempt casts a sobering light on the ongoing threats faced by Christians around the world who seek to live their faith openly and joyfully. The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, urged the faithful “to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious person, object, or activity.”
Despite the danger, the pilgrimage continues. Last year, nearly 690,000 pilgrims attended Martyrs Day events centered around Namugongo, about 20 miles away. This year, Agenzia Fides estimates that as many as 2.5 million will come to the Munyonyo Basilica alone—a testament to the enduring hope and courage of the Ugandan Church.
The martyrs of Uganda once gave their lives rather than renounce their Christian faith. Today, millions stand in their footsteps, undeterred by threats, firm in their devotion. In the words of the UPDF, Uganda remains on “heightened alert to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption”—a promise of both protection and perseverance in the face of evil.
