Twin blasts rock Uganda

Bomb blasts have ripped through two separate bars packed with football fans watching the World Cup final in Uganda's capital Kampala, killing at least 64 people.

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 football 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 and groups linked to Osama bin Laden's militant network.

The US embassy in Kampala said one American was killed in the bomb blasts. It was not immediately known if any other foreigners were among the casualties.