Rapa FM Pader

UPDF safely detonates two bombs in Pader district

16 September 2024, 10:29

Unexploded RPG bomb – Photo for illustration (Courtesy).

By Lakareber Kasline Gladys

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) successfully detonated two bombs in Pader district on Saturday, 14 September 2024. The explosives were discovered in Aringo-dyang village, Olam parish, Pukor sub county, and Bolowigweng village, Lagile parish, Lunyiri sub-county, causing alarm among local residents.

Richard Ojwini, the LC III Chairperson for Pukor sub county, initially reported the bomb scare after residents spotted suspicious objects in the area. UPDF bomb experts were promptly dispatched to the scene to neutralise the explosives.

Captain Mwanda Edrin, the UPDF 5th Division Public Information Officer, confirmed the success of the operation. “Our team safely detonated the bombs without any harm to the community. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual objects they come across,” he stated.

Mwanda further explained that the explosives are remnants of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, which devastated northern Uganda for over two decades. “These explosives are likely leftovers from the LRA war, which ended in 2006 but left behind dangerous unexploded ordnance in many areas,” he added.

Local leaders commended the swift response of the UPDF, while authorities continue to educate communities about the dangers of unexploded bombs. Residents are urged to report any suspicious objects to local authorities to prevent potential accidents.