In a dramatic turn of events, police in Rubaga have successfully arrested a man suspected of planting a bomb at the entrance of the prominent Miracle Centre Cathedral. The suspect, identified as Abdulrahman Kintu, a 28-year-old male, was apprehended following a swift response by law enforcement.
The incident unfolded when an alert churchgoer noticed a suspicious package at the entrance of the Miracle Centre Cathedral early this Sunday morning. Concerned for the safety of the hundreds of congregants gathered inside, they immediately alerted the church leadership, who in turn called the police.
Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the incident and provided details of the operation. According to Onyango, once the presence of the explosive device was detected, the church was promptly evacuated to ensure the safety of the congregation.
To ensure the safety of the public, the police explosives experts carefully detonated the bomb, preventing any potential harm to the churchgoers or the surrounding area. The timely action of the police undoubtedly prevented a potentially catastrophic incident.
Miracle Centre Cathedral, led by Pastor Robert Kayanja, is known for hosting a large congregation every Sunday. The news of the attempted attack sent shockwaves through the community, as congregants grappled with the realization of the danger they had narrowly escaped.
This incident comes as a grim reminder of the heightened security concerns in Uganda, particularly after a warning issued by the British High Commission in July. The warning advised British nationals and residents in Uganda to exercise caution and avoid places that typically attract crowds, including churches, bars, markets, and taxi parks.
Authorities are now intensifying their efforts to investigate the suspect, Abdulrahman Kintu, and determine any potential motives or affiliations he may have had with extremist groups. The swift response by law enforcement and the vigilance of the churchgoer who initially spotted the suspicious package serve as a testament to the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety.
The police and security forces remain on high alert, and the community continues to be urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objects to the authorities promptly. As the investigation unfolds, many are left pondering the potential tragedy that was narrowly averted at the Miracle Centre Cathedral today.