Two explosions shook Ugandan capital Kampala on Tuesday, killing at least three people in what authorities characterised as a coordinated assault by anti-government radicals.
Three suicide bombers were also killed in the explosions, according to authorities. The blasts triggered panic in Kampala, sending horrified inhabitants fleeing the city centre.
“The bomb threats are still active, especially from suicide attackers,” said police spokesperson Fred Enanga. According to him, the bombings were carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces, an extreme organisation associated with the Islamic State group.
The IS group claimed responsibility for the blasts, according to SITE, which tracks the online activities of extremist organisations.
The twin explosions occurred within three minutes of each other. Both were carried out by attackers carrying explosives. A possible attack on a third target was foiled by police who pursued and disarmed a suspected suicide bomber, Mr Enanga said.
According to police and witnesses, one bomb went near a police station, and the other detonated on a street near the parliamentary building. The explosion near parliament seemed to impact a building that houses an insurance firm, and the ensuing fire devoured vehicles parked outside.
Body parts were strewn across the roadway, and MPs were subsequently spotted fleeing the adjoining legislative building.
The police spokesperson said at least 33 individuals are being treated at the city’s major public referral hospital. Five are in serious condition.
