Bomb scare in Soroti City

A suspect has been taken into custody over the device, a 160mm M2 mortar projectile with multiple fins, which was discovered along Market Street, near Landmark Hotel.

SOROTI CITY | Security operatives in Soroti Wednesday morning secured a mortar bomb abandoned near Soroti Market.

A suspect has been taken into custody over the device, a 160mm M2 mortar projectile with multiple fins, which was discovered along Market Street, near Landmark Hotel.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently being detained at Soroti Central Police Station to help with interrogations.

East Kyoga Region Police Commander, Damali Nachuha, confirmed the incident and saidthe situation has normalised.

"The bomb has been removed, and the area is now safe," Nachuha said.

The city had in the morning been tense with fears of a potential bomb attack once information filtered in that a bomb had been discovered in a drainage trench.

The recovery of the bomb and the arrest of the suspect have brought relief to the residents of Soroti, especially market venders who we're in fear of terrorist attacks.

The security operatives are working to uncover more information about the suspect and any potential accomplices.

The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities immediately. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Security warns that unexploded ordnance or military munition - such as bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, mines -, however old, are explosive weapons that still pose a risk of detonation, even decades after they were used or discarded.

Even if it does not explode, environmental pollutants are released as it degrades.

An abandoned mortar bomb such as was in Soroti can be dangerous. The fragments of an exploded mortar bomb can affect people from up to 60 meters away.