Pictures of suspected suicide bombers exploding to death before reaching Munyonyo martyrs shrine which were the alleged target started circulating on social media on Tuesday morning, a few minutes to 9am.
Nearly, 40 minutes later, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Acting Spokesperson, Col Chris Magezi, posted on X confirming that it was the military’s counter-terrorism unit that had exterminated the terrorists.
“A UPDF counter-terrorism this morning intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo, an upscale city suburb. It was an intelligence led operation and the security services are on heightened alert to ensure the Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption. The general public is urged to remain calm but vigilant and report to the security services any suspicious individuals, objects or activities for immediate attention,” Col Magezi said.
Immediately, people asked questions how UPDF had neutralized the suspected terrorists yet the bomb explosion had been witnessed by people. One X user wondered how UPDF had killed the suspects yet his security guard had seen two people exploding without being pursued by anyone.
UPDF later called a press conference at 3pm at its headquarters in Mbuya where Col Magezi gave further explanations which instead caused more confusion to the already doubtful public. “Our team stopped and asked these people where they were going and what they were carrying and they could not explain. Our team fired at them. The woman decided to detonate the bomb after realising the mission had been failed,” Col Magezi explained.
Because UPDF’s media briefing was being televised live, more social media users posted questioning the military account. Several comments indicated that the suspected terrorists had exploded on their own without being intercepted by any security person.
Some residents near the Munyonyo bomb blast scene released a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) clip which showed the alleged terrorists on a motorcycle which was moving behind a passenger taxi. In the video, the man and woman are seen suddenly exploding before crossing to Munyonyo martyrs shrines which were about six metres ahead.
“Now, show us in this video who shot at these terrorists? This video clearly shows these exploding on their own. You killed them yet you arrived at the scene after the explosion,” an X user said. Another X user said: “The terrorists killed themselves. But the way UPDF is looking for credit…I have given up.”
Another posted: “Much as I like UPDF, on this one you are wrong. To me something doesn’t add up because the movement of the camera specializing only on the boda guy, no sir, then who killed them, UPDF or the bomb blast.”
Perhaps UPDF needs to release a better video which would help to reduce the doubts Ugandans have about the whole story. In the video, Ugandan expect to see a soldier or a cover security personnel firing at the terrorism which was not the case.