The Uganda Police’s Counter Terrorism officers in Kampala Metropolitan on Tuesday recovered a suspected explosive device near Rolex Beach within the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe, in Wakiso District.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson confirmed the successful detonation of the handmade grenade. This was recovered in an operation led by the Entebbe Division Police Commander at around 6 pm.
“On January 23rd, 2024, at around 6 PM, the DPC of Entebbe Police Division led a prompt response team. This was following reports of a suspected explosive device near Rolex Beach within the Botanical Gardens,” Mr Owoyesigyire stated in a statement.
According to preliminary investigations, Owoyesigyire allay the fears of the public. He said, “The item discovered was a non-spent ordnance buried underground for years, exposed due to soil erosion”. It was successfully detonated with no injuries caused.
“In the interest of public safety, meticulous inquiries were initiated, and the scene was thoroughly processed and documented. Following the guidance of bomb experts, a controlled explosion was executed on-site, resulting in zero injuries or damages,” Owoyesigyire explained.
He also urged the public to “remain vigilant and report any suspicious items promptly, facilitating swift police response and ultimately saving lives.”
“Further details will be provided at the earliest opportunity.”
It should be noted that this discovery came at a time when Uganda had just finished hosting The NAM and G77+China summits. There was heightened security all over the Kampala city and its outskirts.
