Uganda bombings kill 64

UGANDA: Bomb blasts ripped through two separate bars packed with soccer fans watching the World Cup final in Uganda's capital Kampala, killing at least 64 and signalling a possible link to Somali Islamists.

One American was among those killed in the bombings on Sunday and US President Barack Obama, condemning what he called deplorable and cowardly attacks, said Washington was ready to help Uganda in hunting down those responsible.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombings.

Al Qaeda-inspired al Shabaab militants in Somalia have threatened to attack Uganda for sending peacekeeping troops to the anarchic country to prop up the Western-backed government.

One bombing targeted the Ethiopian Village restaurant in the Kabalagala district, a popular night-life spot which was heaving with soccer fans and is popular with foreign visitors. The second attack struck a rugby club showing the match. Twin coordinated attacks have been a hallmark of al Qaeda.

"The information we have indicates 13 people have died here at the Ethiopian Village and many others are injured and more than 10 people are reported to have died at the rugby club," Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura told reporters.

Reuters