The spectacular urban ‘IED Based’ twin terrorist bombing along Parliament Avenue in Uganda’s capital Kampala were unprecedented. Terrorists simultaneously detonated the improvised explosive devices, signaling compacted communication between cells involved and a higher degree of operational capability. The attack bears the insignia of the Islamic States in DR Congo commonly known as ISCAP or Islamic States Central Africa Province. So far, more than 6 people including 2 policemen have been confirmed dead. 23 police officers and 17 civilians were injured.
Strategic Intelligence analyzed various videos and photos of the terror event and the damage assessment depicts a picture of a powerful, possibly portable,-suicide borne improvised bombs and strategic targets including a police precinct which was eventually significantly affected. These observations further draw out the actor’s proficiency in both surveillance and execution of the particular terrorist operation.
The actors demonstrated capability to meticulously plan and carryout a spectacular terror attack targeting Ugandan Police who are part of the core of the country security system and the country’s administrative center, The Capital Kampala. Besides killing several police officers and civilians, the terrorists have managed to craft and demonstrate to the world their growing capabilities in the East and Central Africa Region.
This unprecedented bombing in Uganda’s capital is meant to demonstrate a large scale terror event known as a “spectacular attack”, a signaling tactic by terrorist. The particular type of attack can result in huge human life and monetary losses besides a significant psychological effect.
Strategic Intelligence views the attacks as responses to recent Uganda’s Government counter terrorism stance and views about ISCAP. Spectacular attacks in particular are pooling rather than separating phenomena whereby the targeted government cannot discern, based on previous or recent incidents, the militancy of the actor/terror group.
While these attacks wane with time due to Government reactions (pro-active Counter Intelligence and Counter terrorism), they pose significant threats on both short and long term. However, the threat of terrorism in East and Central Africa is on a steady rise and could remain so for several years.
