IMPROVISED BOMB: Security Explain Nature of Explosive Devices Used in Attempted Assassination of Principal Judge Flavian Zeija

A joint security team investigating the attempted assassination of Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija has released its preliminary findings. 

On April 23, at around 8:30pm, suspected gunmen attacked Dr Zeija’s convoy near Kalandezi Village, Buwama in Mpigi District. (Read Story Here).

From what a composite tactical team from Counter Terrorism, CMI, Forensics, Crime Intelligence, ISO and operations, which visited the scene and cordoned off for a thorough assessment, have found out, improvised devices were used in the attack.

“We have since established that the attack on the convoy, was instead as a result of an improvised explosive device, planted on the road side, below the guard rail, at a remote location, in Kalandezi village,” said Uganda Police Force (UPF) spokesperson Fred Enanga.

“The task team recovered a variety of IED components that included; shattered detonator parts, pieces of wire, cut pieces of iron bars, shattered aluminum pieces, and metal fragments, all designed to increase the amount of shrapnel propelled by the explosive device.  There were no bullets or cartridges at the scene.”

Security teams could also not confirm if PJ Zeija had been targeted for the attack.

“In addition, there is no evidence at this stage, to show whether the Principal Judge’s vehicle, was the intended target or a random incident of attack on any government vehicle,” added Enanga.

“The Principal Judge and his team were not injured.  The vehicle of the Principal Judge and the lead car, had minor damages from the impact of the metallic fragments.”

The police spokesperson also revealed that the attack against Zeija was the second such incident where improvised devices are planted on the roadside, to either damage vehicles, along the road and incapacitate, injure or kill motorists.

“The first incident occurred, on the 17.04.2022, at around 9:30pm, when Busasira Alex, while driving in the company of his wife, from Kampala to Kabale in motor vehicle, registration number, UBJ399A, were hit by an IED, which was detonated and metallic shrapnel damaged his vehicle, along the Masaka-Kinoni section at Kyangoma LCI, Nkoni Parish, Kingo Sub-county, Lwengo district,” narrated Enanga.

“Their vehicle was perforated by metallic pieces, some of which were picked from the body of the motor vehicle.  The victims did not stop, despite the tyre burst and drove miles ahead. The following morning, our task teams, recovered metallic fragments, scattered around the scene.”