The army under the 4th Division headquarters based in Gulu has deeply regretted an incident in which a mother and three of her children were seriously injured after a suspected bomb exploded and injured them.
Ms Eunice Akwero, a resident of Amilobo village, Lamogi Sub County in Amuru district and her children identified as Steward Owachgiu, Grace Amito and Jennifer Acan were injured on Sunday evening while they were cooking super.
Capt. Caesar Otim Olweny, the 4th Division Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) said they received a report that the explosive was picked up by the young children from the garden when they had gone to pick firewood.
According to Capt Olweny, “One of the kids picked the bomb. Their mother unfortunately later put the object into fire.”
“Fire triggered it, injuring the family who were waiting for food which was cooking on the fire,” He added.
The army publicist regretted the incident and asked parents to be vigilant to avoid such incidents.
He said that he is saddened by the incident and wished the bomb blast survivors a quick recovery after they were admitted to St Mary’s Hospital- Lacor.
He noted that bombs pose a great risk to the lives of the former Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) resettling to the villages and advised farmers to be vigilant since they can end up becoming victims in case of explosion.
On Sunday, the UPDF weapons engineers attached to the Combat Engineering Department destroyed dozens of 20mm recoilless bombs, Rapid Propeller Grenades and 84MM bombs, anti tank landmines in a bulky demolition exercise.
The unexploded ordnances (UXOs) are believed to have been abandoned by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels during the peak of the northern Uganda insurgency.
Since September last year, the army has recovered more than fifteen 88MM bombs in villages across northern Uganda.
Districts that were heavily affected by LRA insurgency in Acholi and Lango sub region are Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Abim, Lamwo, Dokolo, Alebtong, Lira, Kole, Otuke, Oyam, Agago, Amolatar, Apac, and Kaberamaido to rid it of the UXO.
