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The Ugandan army’s unit, part of the East African Regional Force (EACRF), on 31^st July 2023 initiated unexploded ordnance clearance and disposal operations in Eastern DRC. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team under the UPDF Field Engineering Unit has successfully disposed of 18 pieces of hazardous ordnance, including various bombs and live ammunition.

Figure Unexploded ordnance

Unexploded ordnance clearance and disposal operations on 31^st July 2023 started for the Ugandan army’s unit with the East African Regional Force (EACRF) in Eastern DRC, where they are stationed.

A total of 18 pieces of unexploded ordnance, including rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, main battle tank bombs, anti-tank bombs, 82 millimetre recoilless bombs, bomb fuses, hand grenades and various live ammunition for assault rifles, have been safely disposed of as part of the exercise by the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team under the UPDF Field Engineering Unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Mawanda Lubega, the commanding officer of the 9th battalion, stated that since the UPDF Contingent took control of the general areas of Mabenga, peace and calmness have been restored. As a result, the civilians have returned to cultivate their fields, but they are facing difficulties due to unexploded ordinances that were left behind as a result of previous wars.

As the UPDF personnel, we have a responsibility to safeguard residents from the risks of unexploded ordinances, Lt Col Mawanda said, adding that some of the bombs were still operational and posed a serious threat to human and animal lives if interfered with.

Figure UPDF officer searching for the unexploded Ordnance

Mabenga, which is one of the food-producing zones of North Kivu and is 37 kilometres from the centre of Rutshuru-Kiwanja town, is where food and cash crops like maize, soya, beans, cassava, and sorghum are produced to support the inhabitants not only of Rutshuru territory but also of North Kivu and beyond.

The community listened to their instructions regarding the management of the explosives, according to Maj Julius Aine, the UPDF EOD Field Engineering Commander. He also cautioned the population to be watchful and careful while handling unknown materials because the bombs are lethal and can result in death if they explode.

Farmers from Mabenga responded by praising the UPDF EACRF Contingent’s efforts to remove the munitions.

The farmers pleaded with EACRF and partners to save them and clear the general areas of North Kivu because farming and animal husbandry are their livelihoods.