Police have raised fresh concerns over explosive hazards following two separate blast incidents that left several people injured, casting a shadow over otherwise peaceful Eid celebrations across Uganda.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Diana Nandawula said security agencies are prioritizing investigations into the dangerous circulation of unidentified explosive materials, particularly within the scrap metal trade.
The most serious incident occurred in Mukono District’s Goma Division, where four people were injured after an unidentified metallic object detonated as scrap collectors were offloading materials.
Preliminary reports indicate the object fell moments before exploding, sparking panic among those nearby.
All the injured are currently receiving treatment and no fatalities have been reported.
The incident follows a similar explosion in Mbale City, where a scrap collector and several bystanders were injured.
The two events have raised alarm over a possible pattern linked to the unsafe handling of unknown metallic objects.
Police bomb squad experts have since taken over investigations to determine the origin and nature of the explosive materials, amid suspicions they may have been unknowingly mixed into scrap collections.
Nandawula urged scrap dealers and the general public to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious items to authorities for proper assessment, emphasizing that vigilance is key to preventing further incidents.
While Eid celebrations proceeded calmly in most parts of the country, the explosions have shifted attention to an emerging public safety threat, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and stricter precautions when handling potentially dangerous materials.
By Newsroom
23rd Mar 2026
END
