A tragic bomb blast in Moyo District has resulted in the death of 18-year-old Joseph Apina and left three others severely injured.
The explosion occurred on Thursday in Oyajo village, Eria Parish, Moyo sub-county, when Apina and his friends discovered an old explosive device while mining sand. The device detonated while Apina was handling it, resulting in the loss of his hands and severe facial injuries.
The injured individuals, Emmanuel Chandiga (19), Henry Drani (14), and Saviour Matedra (20), are currently receiving treatment at Moyo hospital.
The region, once a conflict zone during the Anyanya war and UNRF I and II, is known to contain numerous buried explosives. Investigations indicate that the bomb was likely left over from the conflicts that occurred between 1979 and 1985.
According to an eyewitness, the boys found the device while mining sand for personal use and were unaware of the hidden danger.
Maj Peter Mugisha, the 4th Division PRO for the UPDF, has issued a warning about the risks of unexploded ordnance that may still be present in the area. He urged anyone who encounters such devices to avoid handling them and to report them immediately to local security authorities.
Moyo Resident District Commissioner Goffin Gore has reiterated that civilians should not handle military objects, as trained military personnel are equipped to manage such devices.