The United States Department of State Consular Affairs has issued a travel advisory to its residents following a terror incident near Kampala, Uganda, on Sunday, June 22.
In the advisory, the U.S. noted that an explosion, which took place in one of Uganda’s largest markets, led to the area being cordoned off for investigations. U.S. residents were subsequently advised to avoid the area for their safety.
“There are reports of an explosion with casualties near Kalerwe Market in Kampala on June 22. Local government has closed the area for investigation,” the advisory read.
The explosion was also confirmed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), who said on Sunday that a female suicide bomber was killed at the crowded market.
According to the UPDF, security and forensic teams have since been deployed in the market to conduct in-depth investigations.
Sources in Uganda claim that the female suspect was shot dead before she could carry out her plan. UPDF Spokesperson Major General Felix Kulaigye further claimed that authorities strongly believe that the suspect was targeting Kalerwe Market, which is at times frequented by Kenyans living in Uganda.
With the area surrounding Kalerwe Market closed off from the public for a better part of Sunday, the U.S., through its advisory, urged its citizens to avoid the area and keep a low profile.
Residents were also urged to be aware of their surroundings and notify their friends and families of their whereabouts at all times.
This is the second high-profile bombing incident to rock Uganda in less than a month, as it comes barely three weeks after an explosion killed three suspected rebels, including a suicide bomber, near a Roman Catholic shrine.
The June 3 incident targeted Ugandan locals, who were assembled at a renowned religious facility to celebrate Martyrs Day. Like the incident in Kalerwe Market, authorities also linked the attack to the Congo-based rebel group dubbed Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
While U.S. citizens are on high alert in Uganda due to a looming terrorism threat, Kenya is also on the radar of the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs over the ongoing threat of violent protests.
As recently as June 12, an alert was issued warning U.S nationals against going to the Nairobi Central Business District, citing the use of tear gas and live ammunition as an indication that the demonstrations pose a risk, particularly to American citizens.
