Suspected bomb critically injures child in Kitgum
He began hitting the object with a stick, which triggered an explosion.
Kitgum: A suspected bomb explosion has left an 11-year-old boy, identified as Omara Andrew, critically injured in Pager Division, Kitgum Municipality, in what authorities suspect to be a tragic incident involving unexploded ordnance.
The boy, a resident of Lamit Kapim South Cell in Pager A Ward, was reportedly searching for earthworms to use as fishing bait when he discovered an unusual metallic object, believed to be a bomb.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 15th June 2025, by Inspector of Police (IP) Oloya Joe, Acting Public Relations Officer for the Aswa East Regional Police, it was revealed that the juvenile brought the object to dry land and began playing with it.
According to eyewitness reports, Omara was joined by his friend, Ocira Jonathan, who was nearby washing clothes. Ocira examined the object and described it as a 48mm round-shaped device before handing it back to Omara and returning to continue washing clothes with another friend, Ojara.
Tragically, Omara began hitting the object with a stick, which triggered an explosion. He sustained severe injuries to his right hand and thigh.
The injured boy was immediately rushed to Kitgum General Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be critical.
A team of officers from Kitgum Central Police Station, led by Detective Superintendent Agaba Jimmy Mogi, visited the scene and initiated an investigation to determine the nature of the explosive device and how it ended up in the area.
Police say the incident highlights the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in post-conflict areas like Kitgum, where remnants from past conflicts continue to pose serious risks to civilians, especially children.
Authorities are urging parents and community leaders to educate children on the dangers of handling unknown objects, particularly metallic items that could be remnants of military hardware.
Inspector Oloya Joe appealed to residents to report any suspicious or unidentified objects to local authorities or the nearest police station immediately.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers still lurking in our communities. We urge all residents, especially children, to avoid playing with or touching unidentified metal objects,” he stated.
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