The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have identified the female suicide bomber neutralized near Munyonyo Martyrs Basilica on June 3, 2025, as Aisha Katushabe, also known by aliases Byaruhanga Sumaya and Kabonesa. In her twenties, Katushabe was intercepted just 600 meters from the crowded pilgrimage site before the explosive vest she was wearing detonated, killing her and the motorcycle rider.
Col. Chris Magezi, acting UPDF spokesperson, revealed that Katushabe was previously in custody in October 2023 due to her links with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State. She was released for lack of sufficient evidence but was later confirmed to be a committed ADF operative.
Katushabe’s connections to terrorism run deep: her husband, Muzafaru, was killed by Ugandan counterterrorism forces in 2021 after plotting to bomb mourners at the funeral of the late Deputy Inspector General of Police Lt Gen Paul Lokech. Moreover, she is the daughter of Abdul Shakur, who detonated a suicide bomb at Kampala Central Police Station in 2021 during coordinated ADF attacks.
Intelligence had warned of an ADF plot targeting the Munyonyo Martyrs Day celebrations, and the foiled attack was a result of information obtained from a suspect arrested days earlier. The UPDF confirmed that the bomber’s detonation was triggered by security forces’ engagement, not a voluntary act.
