Victims of the bomb explosion in Lamwo finally identified.

8 March 2026, 11:18 AM

By David Ojok Jr.

Police in Lamwo District have named the victims of Saturday’s bomb explosion, which claimed three lives.

The victims, all children, have been identified as Odoch Lawrence, aged 14, a pupil at Unity Primary School and a resident of Pawich Village, Anaka Parish, Palabek Gem Sub County; Walegu Gum Sunday, aged 12 years, a pupil at Unity Primary School and a resident of Palabek Ogili Sub County; and Comboni Daniels, aged 13 years, a pupil at Unity Primary School and a resident of Apyeta South Village, Apyeta Parish, Palabek Ogili Sub County.

The morning tragic incident happened after the deceased children, meanwhile in the company of ten other playmates, went to a nearby bush in Pawich Village to harvest palm tree fruits.

While in the bush, the children reportedly found a rusty metallic object and thought it valuable if it could be traded off to scrap metal dealers for cash.

A repeated warning by Ms Atto Josephine, a mother, to let what is now believed to be unexploded ordnance (UXO) be taken back to the bush came late, as it exploded before she could alert authorities.

It is thought they have played with the device, causing it to explode.

The Aswa East police relations officer IP Oloya Joe confirmed the devastating incident, saying the UPDF Bomb Squad under the 5th Division has been contacted to carry out a munitions response to prevent further incidents.

The community has since been sensitised to the dangers of collecting or handling unknown metallic objects, particularly in areas previously affected by armed conflict where unexploded ordnance may still exist.

Meanwhile investigation continues. A case of suspected bomb explosion and sudden death has been reported and registered under vide SD REF: 12/07/03/2026 at Palabek Gem Police Station and Lamwo CPS vide 003/2026