AN IRISHWOMAN was among the 74 people confirmed dead after Sunday night’s bomb attacks in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
The victims were watching the World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain when a series of co-ordinated blasts went off in two different parts of the city. Ugandan police believe two suicide bombers were involved.
The first bomb was detonated at 10.25pm (8.25pm GMT) at the Ethiopian Village restaurant, which is popular with foreigners. At least 15 people were killed. About 50 minutes later two blasts tore through the Lugogo rugby club, where a large crowd was also watching the match. More than 49 people were killed.
“People were pushed backwards and thrown into the air by the second blast,” said Michael Wokoroch, who was at the rugby ground. “I ran for my life but all around me I could see severed heads and legs missing. I tried to look for my friends, but everyone was so soaked in blood that you could hardly make them out.”
Fred Opolot, executive director of the Uganda Media Centre, confirmed that one Irishwoman, 60 Ugandans, nine Eritreans and Ethiopians, one American, one Asian, and two unidentified people, were killed. “What we witnessed yesterday was carnage,” he said. “We will be absolutely steadfast in ensuring that Ugandans and visitors to Uganda will be protected.”
Al-Shabab, the Somali-based Islamist militant group, claimed responsibility, blaming the participation of Ugandan troops in the 6,000-strong African Union peacekeeping force deployed in the Horn of Africa Nation.
“The best of men have promised and they have delivered,” said a statement issued by Al-Shabab. “Blessed and exalted among men – [taking] full responsibility . . . We wage war against the 6,000 collaborators; they have received their response.”
World leaders condemned the attacks, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin expressing shock at the deaths.
“I am horrified and saddened at the appalling loss of life in last night’s bomb attacks in Kampala,” he said. “I know that the mood in Kampala yesterday would have been one of great joy, with celebrations to mark the conclusion of Africa’s first World Cup. The peace of those celebrations has been cruelly shattered by this heinous terrorist attack.”
Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni declared a week of mourning. The attacks occurred a week before Kampala hosts an African Union summit that will bring together most African leaders, raising concerns about security for the event.