By Spy Uganda
An explosion involving a suspected unidentified device has left four people injured in Mbale City, triggering a swift response from security agencies and raising fresh concerns over safety within the scrap metal trade.
The incident occurred on March 17, 2026, in St. Andrews Cell, South Central Ward, Industrial Division, at a local scrap workshop. According to preliminary reports, the explosion happened as workers were offloading scrap metal from a vehicle, unaware that one of the items could have been hazardous.
The four injured individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and were immediately rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel say the victims are under close observation as investigations into the exact cause of the blast continue.
Authorities quickly dispatched a Police Bomb Squad unit to secure the scene and conduct an initial assessment. The team successfully recovered fragments believed to be from the explosive device, which have since been taken for detailed forensic analysis to establish their origin and composition.
Security officials have urged the public particularly scrap dealers, metal collectors, and transporters to exercise heightened vigilance when handling unknown materials. They emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious or unfamiliar objects to law enforcement agencies to avert potential tragedies.
The incident underscores growing safety risks in the scrap industry, where unidentified and potentially dangerous materials can easily find their way into circulation. Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities expected to release further details once forensic examinations are complete.
