Fear has gripped Kampala after two separate blasts on Kampala Parliamentary Avenue and the Central Police Station went off in Kampala.

New Vision reporter Stuart Yiga at the scene reports that there is heavy deployment along the Kampala-Jinja Road. Amid the heavy security deployment, vehicles have been blocked from Kitgum House.

"Everyone has been ordered out of Mabirizi Plaza, which is near the Central Police Station, where one of the explosions happened. Burton Street and Johnson Street have also been cleared of human traffic." 

One explosion was just outside the Central Police Station while the other along Parliamentary Avenue.

At Parliamentary Avenue, one vehicle caught fire and firefighters swung into action to snuff it out. In the pandemonium, more security, including a team from the Police Bomb Squad unit, arrived at the scene to cordon off the area. 

At a distance, people moved out of the nearby buildings to see what was going on - many wearing faces of shock.

Parliament sitting called off

New Vision's Henry Sekanjako reports that today's Parliament sitting has been called off following the explosion near the parliamentary building.

Another suspected blast at the Ministry of ICT

Meanwhile, unverified reports indicate that another explosion went off at the headquarters of the ministry of ICT and nation guidance. A message from the source said: "There has been a bomb blast at the headquarters of the ministry of ICT & NG. All of us are safe. A few colleagues were hurt by flying window glasses and debris."

Counter-terrorism boss at scene

The counter-terrorism police boss,  Abbas Byakagaba, has arrived at the explosion scene at Parliament Avenue. 

Mobile money agent victim of the blast

It has also been established that one of the victims was a mobile money agent, reports Simon Masaba.

Two policemen confirmed dead

New Vision's Stuart Yiga reports that at least two policemen have been confirmed dead from the explosion at Central Police Station, and several others wounded. 

Right now, security has sealed off a transformer near Kooki Tower, where another suspected bomb has been planted.

Sniffer dogs have been brought before the detonation exercise could kick-off. Security have also restricted traffic flow along the Jinja-Kampala Road.

Business owners told to vacate
According to our reporter, Simon Masaba, security operatives have asked business owners and other offices to close and vacate the area. The Director of Crime Intelligence, Brig-Gen Christopher Ddamulira Sserunjogi, told New Vision, "We shall get these guys."

24 casualties at Mulago

The Ministry of Health says 24 casualties are being attended to by medics at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

The ministry spokesperson, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, said in a tweet: "Following the unfortunate and cowardly act of terrorism, our health workers are working around the clock to save lives of those injured. Mulago Hospital is currently  attending  to about 24 causalities."

"Reports indicate four are in critical conditions," he added, reports John Tugume.

Security bosses in an urgent meeting

According to our reporter Simon Masaba, specialised unit commanders of security are in an urgent meeting, following the explosions in Kampala. The meeting is at Parliamentary Avenue.

Those in the meeting include heads of JATT, Counter-terrorism unit, CMI, ISO, Crime Intelligence, CID, Bomb Squad and Canine Unit.

In attendance is Edward Ochom, the Police's Director of Operations. Reports Simon Masaba.

Kampala-Jinja Road sealed off

The Police have sealed off the Kampala-Jinja Road at the Electoral Commission, cutting off all access to the city centre. Those who were in the city are rushing out, according to our reporter, Miriam Namutebi.

Number of causalities now at 27

According to Rosemary Byanyima, Mulago deputy executive director, the number of those admitted at Mulago has gone to 27. Mulago says no children among those admitted, and "all patients are still alive."

Of those admitted, 20 are male while seven are female. The majority are police officers. 20 causalities are stable while seven are in critical condition.

CCTV footage

Police have released CCTV footage of the bombing incident near the Central Police Station which captured an unidentified man carrying a heavily laden bag believed to be the suicide bomber blowing himself outside the station.

Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga

On the second bomb that went off at the Jubilee House, Enanga said, “two suicide bombers were clearly captured, on motorcycles, disguising as bodaboda riders.  They detonated the bombs they were carrying on themselves, that killed them instantly'.

Be vigilant

Security minister Maj Gen (rtd) Jim Muhwezi has urged the public to be vigilant. 'Let's be vigilant,' the minister implored in a tweet.

He shared a police statement about the general characteristics of the suicide bomb attackers.

One of the characteristics says suicide bomb attackers appear nervous and may seem preoccupied or have a blank stare.