Image copyright AFP Image caption A group calling itself Hurriyet News Agency issued a statement on Twitter claiming responsibility for the bombings
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for twin attacks in Uganda on a market and a bus station that killed at least 55 people.
Two bomb blasts, one in the Kampala airport and the other on the main road, tore through the city late on Friday, amid rising terror concerns across Africa.
A group calling itself Hurriyet News Agency issued a statement on Twitter claiming responsibility for the bombings.
Beheadings and violent attacks by Boko Haram have also been carried out by Islamic State-linked groups in Africa.
In what appears to be an attempt to slow the claims, the statement’s author said the group carried out the attack to provide Islamic teachings to the world.
Later on Saturday, the Somalia-based Islamic State affiliate in the West African Sahel region also denied any involvement in the Uganda attacks.
Fighters loyal to IS
The bombings mark the first time IS has shown its deadly hand in Africa.
Analysts say the group’s fighters loyal to IS in West Africa – known as the “Boko Haram al-Murabitun” – have been targeted recently by rival IS fighters.
In February, fighters loyal to IS destroyed a mosque in Nigeria’s northern city of Kano, where Boko Haram operates.
Experts believe that, so far, IS has focused on establishing a foothold in the Sahel region – rather than a show of strength in any particular African country.