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, a pupil at Unity Primary School and a resident of Palabek Ogili Sub county; and Comboni Daniels, aged 13, a pupil at Unity Primary School and a resident of Apyeta South Village, Apyeta Parish, Palabek Ogili Sub county.

The tragic incident occurred in the morning after the deceased children, accompanied by ten 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 might be valuable if sold to scrap metal dealers.

A repeated warning by Ms Atto Josephine, a mother, to leave what is now believed to have been unexploded ordnance (UXO) alone came too late, as it exploded before she could alert the authorities.

It is thought that the children had been playing with the device, causing it to detonate.

The Aswa East Police Public Relations Officer, IP Oloya Joe, confirmed the devastating incident, stating that 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 be present.

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