On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 10, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in the Kaabong district of northern Uganda. An abandoned bomb detonated, resulting in the untimely deaths of two young students and injuries to two others.
The deceased, identified as Ayollo Lokutai, 13, and Lokoel Komol, 12, were students at Kakamar Primary School. The injured, Meri Lomonyang, 9, and Meri Lokiditoi, sustained minor injuries.
The four boys had left their homes that afternoon to gather wood for fencing their goat’s kraal. During this task, they stumbled upon the discarded bomb in Nakituriket village, within Kakamar sub-county.
Ayollo Lokutai picked up the bomb and started to play with it. The bomb exploded, instantly killing Ayollo and Komol. Lomonyang and Lokiditoi, who were a distance away cutting a tree, survived the blast with minor injuries.
Meri Jino, the LC V chairperson of Kaabong district, expressed shock at the unfortunate event. He confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were taken to Kaabong Hospital for autopsy, and the injured students received medical care.
Jino urged the local community to exercise caution and refrain from handling suspicious metallic objects, which could potentially be explosives. He also encouraged residents to report any suspicious items they encounter to the authorities.