Katakwi Grenade Explosion Injures Two Children as Police Probe Suspected Revenge Attack
KATAKWI, UGANDA – Two children were seriously injured after a suspected grenade exploded in their family compound in Katakwi District on Wednesday morning, sparking investigations into what security officials believe may have been a targeted attack.
The incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. on June 10, 2026, in Okeeya Village, Okore Parish, Okore Sub-county, leaving residents shocked and fearful.
The victims, identified as James Otim, 5, and Adonyi Jane, 7, sustained multiple injuries to their legs, knees, waist, and upper chest when the explosive device detonated near them. Medical personnel later removed several metal fragments from their bodies.
A nine-month-old baby boy, who was in the same compound, escaped the blast without injuries.
Father Attacked Hours Before Explosion
The explosion came less than 24 hours after the children’s father, James Otim, 45, was allegedly assaulted while returning home from Aarapoo Market on the evening of June 9.
According to family members, Otim was reportedly waylaid by a man identified as Isudan Oedo at around 8:00 p.m. The family suspects the attack may be linked to the grenade explosion that followed the next morning.
Speaking while receiving treatment at a local clinic, Otim questioned the motive behind the incident and suggested authorities investigate all possible causes.
Security Officials Dismiss Military Training Link
Military officers who visited the injured children at Katakwi General Hospital said preliminary assessments indicate the explosive device was not linked to military training activities.
According to security sources, the device resembled a small munition often associated with insurgent activities rather than equipment used by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) during training exercises.
Officials noted that the blast pattern and fragmentation suggested the explosive may have been deliberately thrown into the compound.
The nearby School of Artillery and Air Defence in Olilim also responded to the scene and stated that no live-fire exercises were being conducted at the time of the incident.
Investigators Suspect Revenge Motive
Lt Nasser Sabilla Siya, an intelligence officer attached to the Wiski Battalion, said bomb experts who examined the scene believe the explosive was likely thrown by an individual targeting the family.
“The attack appears to have been carried out by somebody intentionally,” he said.
He added that investigators are pursuing leads and have identified a hunter who reportedly fled the area as a key suspect in the case.
Authorities are now treating the incident as a possible revenge attack while forensic investigations continue.
Family Appeals for Assistance
The injured children remain under medical care as their family struggles to meet treatment costs.
Their mother, Ketty Adeke, recalled hearing a loud explosion while inside the house before rushing outside to find her children covered in dust and bleeding.
The family, which consists of ten members, has appealed to the government, security agencies, and well-wishers for support to ensure the children receive specialized treatment.
Meanwhile, local leaders have called for a thorough investigation into the explosion.
Philip Obwakori, the parish councillor for Okore, urged security agencies to establish the exact source of the explosive and ensure the safety of residents in the area.
The incident has heightened concerns among residents of Okore Parish, with many demanding swift action from authorities to prevent similar attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
