MBALE CITY, UGANDA: Four people were injured in an explosion involving a suspected unidentified device at a scrap metal workshop in Mbale City, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred last week, on March 17, 2026, in St. Andrews Cell, South Central Ward, Industrial Division, as workers were offloading scrap from a vehicle.
Deputy Police Spokesperson SSP Diana Nandawula said the blast happened suddenly, leaving the victims with injuries before they were rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
“An explosion involving an unidentified object occurred at a scrap workshop, injuring four individuals during offloading activities,” SSP Nandawula said while addressing the media in Naguru.
Police swiftly responded to the scene, with a Bomb Squad team dispatched to assess the situation and secure the area.
Fragments believed to be part of the explosive device were recovered and taken for detailed forensic analysis to establish the nature and origin of the object.
Authorities have not yet determined whether the explosion was accidental or linked to hazardous materials hidden within the scrap.
Police have since issued a strong warning to scrap dealers and the general public to exercise caution. “The public, particularly scrap dealers and collectors, is strongly advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unfamiliar objects to security agencies,” Nandawula said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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