Parliament suspended after Kampala explosions
Police and Red Cross officials attending to one of the people who were injured in an explosion at Parliamentary Avenue, in Kampala city on November 16, 2021. PHOTOS/ DAVID LUBOWA
What you need to know:
The first explosion went off at Constitutional Square and minutes later another one exploded at the Parliament Avenue hitting the Jubilee Insurance Building that also houses the Inspector General of Government offices
The deputy speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has suspended Parliament and asked the legislators to remain at home. The decision comes minutes after suspected bomb explosions ripped through the city at two different locations on Tuesday morning.
The first explosion went off at Constitutional Square and minutes later another one exploded at the Parliament Avenue hitting the Jubilee Insurance Building that also houses the Inspector General of Government offices.
Another explosion was reported near Kooki Towers, opposite Central Police Station. Scores of people are said to have died and several others injured in the explosions.
At Parliament, all activities for the day have been suspended, starting with committee meetings. Among asked Members of Parliament and Parliament staff to remain at home.
"I have been directed by the Rt.Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament to inform you that there will be no sitting of Parliament today. You are advised not to proceed to the precincts of Parliament as security forces are working hard to restore order around Parliament. Until you are advised otherwise, please keep at home and those in the precincts of Parliament keep calm and wait for advice on hoe to exit," reads a statement issued by Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige.
A man pictured using a fire extinguisher to put out burning cars following an explosion at Parliamentary Avenue on November 16, 2021
Sources at Mulago National Referral Hospital say a police officer is among the fatalities, while a number of police officers have been reported with serious injuries, after the blast near CPS. Meanwhile, both scenes of crime have been visited by AIGP Abbas Byakagaba (Director police counter terrorism), Maj Gen Abel Kandiho (Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence) and AIGP Edward Ochom (Police Director Operations).
Additional reporting by Benson Tumusiime
