The bombs exploded at two bars packed with soccer fans watching the final moments of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.

Zuma said the South African government condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms, and called on those responsible to pursue their objectives in a dignified and peaceful manner. 

“The government believes that, whatever reasons prompted the perpetrators of these deeds, does not justify the killing of innocent people,” said Zuma.

No South African citizens are reported to have been affected by the incident, but the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is in contact with the mission in Kampala and has been monitoring the situation and will communicate further developments in this regard.

It is still not clear who is responsible for the bombings, but media suspicion has fallen on the Somali al Shabaab rebel group. 

United States (US) President Barack Obama also joined in condemning the blasts, labelling them deplorable and cowardly attacks, saying Washington was ready to help Uganda in hunting down those responsible. 

He was joined by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council, who described the bombings as “vicious” in a statement issued by Ban’s spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General hopes that the perpetrators of these acts will be brought to justice and prosecuted,” it said.

The Council too underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these “reprehensible acts of terrorism” to justice.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced a week of mourning in the country.  – BuaNews

C