Verified Footage Shows Moment of Explosion near Uganda Shrine
A dramatic explosion occurred near the Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine in Kampala, Uganda, on June 3. The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which has been verified by the BBC.
According to the BBC, the footage shows two people riding on a motorbike approaching a road junction just across the road from the shrine. The explosion occurred shortly after, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as chaotic. The BBC has confirmed that the location of the footage is genuine by comparing the buildings and road junction to satellite imagery and matching it with later footage taken after the incident.
The Ugandan army has claimed that it killed two people it described as "armed terrorists" in an "intelligence-led operation" near the site where commemorations were taking place for Christians killed for their faith in the late 19th Century. However, an examination of the CCTV footage casts some doubt on this official explanation, with no evidence of the presence of security forces when the explosion occurred.
The army spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, told Reuters that the attackers were believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, which is allied to the so-called Islamic State group (IS). The ADF has a history of carrying out violent attacks in Uganda, including a school attack in 2023 that killed nearly 40 students.
In the past, the group has also claimed responsibility for several bomb attacks in Uganda in 2021. The army issued warnings last year that the group was planning attacks in urban areas, places of worship, schools, and public events.
The BBC has verified the footage and spoken to eyewitnesses, who describe the scene as chaotic. "It was a very loud explosion," said one eyewitness. "I was shocked and ran away from the scene." The eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the aftermath of the explosion as "chaotic," with people running in all directions.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Uganda, particularly in the capital city of Kampala. The government has increased security measures in the city, with police and military personnel deployed to key locations.
The Roman Catholic Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine is a significant site in Uganda, commemorating the martyrdom of Christians in the late 19th Century. The shrine is a popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage for many Ugandans.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, the BBC will provide updates on the situation. The incident serves as a reminder of the security challenges facing Uganda and the need for vigilance in the face of terrorism.
The Ugandan authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity to the security services. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s security measures and the ability of the ADF to carry out attacks in urban areas.
This article is based on reporting by Peter Mwai, a senior journalist with BBC Verify. The BBC has a long history of providing accurate and unbiased reporting on international news events. The verification of the footage and eyewitness accounts was carried out by the BBC’s Verify team, using a range of sources and techniques to ensure the accuracy of the information.
The BBC’s reporting on this incident is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the people of Uganda and those affected by this tragic event.
According to Col Chris Magezi, as reported by Reuters, "The incident is a reminder of the threat posed by the ADF and the need for continued vigilance."
For more information on this story and for live updates, visit the BBC website.
