Kampala – Joint security agencies disrupted and detonated an explosive device found in a church donation in Butambala district on Saturday.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, the device was planted in a package sent by a well-wisher to Raising Gospel Church in Bamulaze cell, Butambala district headed by Pastor Sam Kamomo.
It is reported that Kamomo was expecting a consignment of electronics in the form of speakers, microphones and other electronic-related items for the church choir from the well-wisher.
On Saturday, a one Ssemwanga delivered the consignment to the church in a vehicle. However, the pastor on opening the package saw a small box that raised suspicion thus alerting police in Butambala.
Enanga says the police responded swiftly and managed to evacuate all worshipers and churchgoers and cordoned off the scene.
“When our counterterrorism team of the bomb squad, the quick reaction team as well as the canine reached, they established the presence of explosive materials in the small box that was part of the three new speakers and the three microphones that were allegedly delivered by one Ssemwanga whom we are now actively hunting for,” Enanga told Journalists at police headquarters in Kampala on Monday.
He added, “Successful and controlled detonation was carried out on the small box and inside they established that there was a metallic food flask containing power-like chemicals.”
The police mouth piece however condemned the lack of vigilance by the church. “….he didn’t bother taking registration details of the Ipsum that was used in delivering these packages which could have helped us. In addition to that, this is a man who didn’t give any other details,” noted Enanga.
The second scene was at Redeemed of the Lord Evangelistic Church in Katende cell, Butambala district where a similar package was received. However, on examination, security found that there was no explosive.
Enanga noted that so far one suspect, a 21-year-old male adult was arrested from Bamulaze cell in Kibibi town council to aid in investigations. Upon arrest by the joint security team, a laptop, solar panels, phones and motorcycle battery among other items were recovered on the suspect.
Enanga said that inquiries into the matter continue. He urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious elements in their communities.
“We inform the public that whereas the country is peaceful, we have a few pockets of threats arising from the ADF. There are ADF elements who filtered into the country following the ongoing operation against them in DRC but we assure Ugandans that as joint security agencies, we are continuing to respond to mitigate any forms of terrorism,” he said
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has since December 2021 carried attacks on ADF hideouts inside DRC in a joint operation with the Congolese army.
According to the Ugandan army, at least 500 ADF fighters including several senior commanders have been killed whereas catches of weapons have been recovered and abductees rescued. The operation has also seen several ADF camps destroyed.
