One dead in Kampala bomb blast

A video-grab from a video shared by an NTV Uganda reporter at the scene shows some of the survivors as they spoke to journalists on October 23. PHOTO/COURTESY 

What you need to know:

  • On October 14, the UK warned of an imminent terror attack in Uganda.
  • President Museveni on Sunday echoed determination to defeat potential terrorists involved in the act. 
  • In an interview with local media, a waitress at the eatery said ''there were very many people, including several new faces by the time of the blast.'' 

One person died and three others were severely injured in a Saturday night ''serious'' explosion at Digida pork joint in Komamboga, Kawempe Division, Kampala.

''There was a bomb blast. Two persons- a young lady and a gentleman fatally wounded and others admitted with serious injuries,'' police chief political commissar, AIGP Asan Kasingye disclosed. 

President Museveni on Sunday echoed determination to defeat potential terrorists involved in the act. 

''The information I have is that three people came and left a package in kaveera (polythene bag) which later on exploded. It seems to be a terrorist act but we shall get the perpetrators,'' Mr Museveni said in a statement on social media.    

Security forces rushed to the scene October 23 following the blast that went off at around 9pm but media coverage was restricted as armed forces cordoned off the place.

Police said investigations were already underway after the deadly incident that occured over two hours past a 7pm Covid-19 induced curfew. 

''Our joint task teams from the bomb squad (were) called to thoroughly document the scene- to help determine whether the explosion arose out of an intentional act or not,'' Police informed in a statement late Saturday, further asking the public ''to remain calm as we (police) establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident.''

On October 14, the United Kingdom (UK) warned of an imminent terror attack in Uganda.

 The East African nation last suffered a major terror attack July 11, 2010 after a militant Islamist group, Al-Shabab, killed over 75 people in a Kampala twin-bombing as hundreds watched a football World Cup final match. 

''The public should not fear. We shall defeat this criminality like we have defeated all the other criminality committed by the pigs who don't respect life,'' Mr Museveni urged. 

No terror group had claimed the attack by press time.