64 persons have been confirmed dead in Kampala bomb blasts
Three explosive devices were detonated last night, Sunday 11 July 2010, at approximately 22:25 at Ethiopian Village Restaurant and 23:15 at Kyadondo Rugby Club, in Kampala, during the televised World Cup 2010 finals.
64 persons have been confirmed dead. 57 have been admitted in various hospitals and 14 treated for minor injuries and discharged.
Identification and trauma centers are being set up at Mulago Hospital and International Hospital Kampala .(http://www.mediacentre.go.ug/details.php?catId=4&item=922) .
Obama condemns Kampala blasts, promises help
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US President Barack Obama has called the deadly explosions that ripped through a rugby club and a restaurant in the Ugandan capital Kampala "deplorable and cowardly," a spokesman said.
"The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured," National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said in a statement.
"The United States is ready to provide any assistance requested by the Ugandan government."
A senior administration official said the United States was in contact with its embassy in Kampala and was in touch with the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding requests for assistance from Uganda's government.
At least 64 people were killed in the explosions as crowds watched the World Cup football final, police said.
One American national was among those killed, a US embassy spokeswoman in Kampala told reporters.
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/725545
The Police yesterday suspected that the Al Shabaab militants from Somalia could have been behind the attacks.
“We have been suspecting that these people could be planning something like this. At least I can confirm that 13 people have been killed in the Kabalagala incident and I am still waiting for reports from Kyadondo,” the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said on phone last night.
Asked who he meant by “these people”, Kayihura said: “Al Shabaab.” The Kabalagala bomb, the Police said, could have been targeting foreigners.
The Police could not put a figure on the casualties at Kyadondo though eyewitnesses put the dead at more than 40. There were also unconfirmed reports of other blasts in Ntinda and Bwaise.
Over 40 were injured. By 1:00am, Kyadondo was deserted, save for the injured awaiting evacuation as security operatives sealed off the place.
Witnesses said the two bombs exploded right in front of the giant screen relaying a live telecast from South Africa.
The night was soon after punctured with sirens on racing Police patrol trucks as the Police and counter-terrorism unit moved in.
The explosions took the victims by surprise as many were blown off their chairs and others died in their seats. Many others could have been killed and injured in the pandemonium that ensued.
In Kamwokya, a suburb popularly frequented by expatriates, all was quiet save for the car park which was full of vehicles where the Dutch Community hosted a live telecast of the match at Iguana restaurant.
Ntinda, a suburb that “never sleeps”, was deserted as several bars emptied hastily. Public transport was scarce save for a few brave boda boda riders. Most revellers in groups were seen walking home, some still carrying the famous vuvuzela, a trademark of the 2010 World Cup, South Africa.
Complied by Steven Candia, Edward Anyoli, Enock Kakande, Arthur Kintu, Patrick Jaramogi, Patrick Ogwang and Norman Katende
