Uganda: Alleged terrorist bombing kills at least one person in Kampala late Oct. 23 /update 1

Event

A bomb blast killed at least one person and injured at least five others at an eatery in Kwata zone, Komamboga, Kampala, at around 21:00 Oct. 23. Authorities are investigating the scene as of Oct. 24. President Yoweri Museveni labeled the incident a terrorist act. According to authorities, the area where the bombing occurred is now secure and there is no active threat to the public. However, localized transport disruptions remain possible until police complete their investigation and vacate the scene.

Context

Although there have been no claims of responsibility as yet, the Islamic State (IS) claimed a bomb blast at a police station in Kawempe, near Komamboga, Oct. 8. IS has a presence in eastern DRC. The group is allied with the Islamist militant Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has conducted multiple attacks in eastern DRC in 2021.

Ugandan security forces have also foiled several plots involving the Somalia-based al-Shabaab group and its sympathizers in recent years. Al-Shabaab carried out attacks in Uganda in the past and has repeatedly threatened to launch additional attacks there in retaliation for the country's involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Advice

Heed all instructions from authorities. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement personnel. Plan for disruptions near the affected area as authorities conduct investigations.