Uganda Police Force (UPF) says its joint counter-terror tactical teams have arrested a landlord who has been accommodating a suspected terrorist believed to be behind th Komamboga and Swift Safaris bus bomb explosions.
According to UPF spokesperson Fred Enanga, on November 04, joint counter-terrorism teams carried out a raid on the home of Umar Kaggwa who was “harboring one of the most wanted terror suspects” named Yusuf Muwonge.
The 11:30pm raid at Kaggwa’s home was meant to apprehend Muwonge, a 28 year old, male adult, who security agencies believe is linked to the bombings in Komamboga, Ttula Kawempe and on Swift Safaris.
The raided home is located in Kireka Bbira Village, Nakaboga Parish in Wakiso District.
Enanga added that explosives were found in Muwonge’s home.
“We believe the dangerous terrorist, Muwonge Yusuf, escaped moments before the raid on his hideout. He however, abandoned an assembled improvised electronic device, which appeared ready for planting. Our bomb experts managed to disrupt the explosive device and rendered it safe,” explained Enanga.
“The device was established to have; an electronic detonator, main charges, ball bearings, nails, batteries, black insulation tapes and a switch. The hallmarks were similar to the detonated improvised electronic devices, in Ttula Kawempe, Komamboga and on the Swift safaris bus.”
Police say the hunt for Muwonge is on.
“We have launched a serious manhunt for Muwonge Yusuf, who appears to have been operating in the same domestic terror cell, with Matovu Isaac alias Muzafaru, the suicide bomber. He is in a hyper mood, and has shifted from Lweeza, where he was staying with Matovu Isaac, moved to Wamala Katooke, Nansana and his last hideout in Kireka –Biira,” noted the police publicist.
“We want to warn anyone who will be found harboring or aiding Muwonge Yusuf, that they will face serious consequences for doing so.”
Enanga further confirmed that counter-terror teams have since arrested Muwonge’s landlord Umar Kagwa “for harboring the dangerous suspect at his home in Kireka –Bbira, being in possession of a bomb and as to whether he has any connections, to the radical ADF linked groups, in the country.”
He added: “The operations to counter all forms of terror are ongoing, and have so far led to several arrests and recovery of dangerous weapons. We want to assure all Ugandans and visitors in the country that we are doing everything within our means to ensure their peace, security and safety. We further urge them to report any suspicious activity to 112 or 999 or 0800199699 as they go about their normal business.”
