A 47-year-old woman in Lamwo District has died after an unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonated while she was working in her garden.
The victim, identified as Esther Ayao, was tending to her crops in Nimu Village, Pawo West Parish, Lukungu Sub-County, when the device, suspected to be a remnant of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, exploded, killing her instantly.
A Grim Reminder of Northern Uganda’s Painful Past
The incident underscores the lingering dangers of UXOs in northern Uganda, where decades of conflict have left behind a deadly legacy.
Major General Keith Katungi, Commander of the UPDF 5th Division, confirmed the tragedy and urged the community to remain vigilant.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased. We also urge the public to exercise caution and immediately alert authorities if they come across any objects that may be explosive,” said Maj. Gen. Katungi.
Growing Toll of UXO-Related Incidents
This latest death adds to a string of UXO-related tragedies in the region. In November 2023, a teenage boy in Agago District was killed after picking up a metallic object while grazing animals.
Similarly, in March 2024, two children in Pader District sustained severe injuries when a UXO exploded near their home.
In June 2024, a farmer in Amuru District lost his leg after striking an old landmine with his hoe.
These incidents have sparked renewed calls for a comprehensive UXO clearance campaign, but funding for demining operations remains limited.
Army’s Commitment to Public Safety
Captain Edrin Mawanda, Public Information Officer of the 5th Division, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
He confirmed that Ayao’s body had been taken to Lamwo Health Centre for a postmortem before being handed over to her family for burial.
Despite efforts by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and humanitarian organizations to clear explosive remnants of war, local leaders say many areas in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions remain hazardous.
A Call for Urgent Action
As communities continue to grapple with the deadly aftermath of past conflicts, there is an urgent need for increased funding and resources to clear UXOs and prevent further tragedies.
For now, Esther Ayao’s death serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in northern Uganda’s soil.
