KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) –
Two former state informers have been convicted by Uganda’s General Court Martial after admitting their involvement in two bomb-related operations that left two women dead in Kampala and Wakiso in June 2025.
Hamza Lyavaala and Walusansa Adiil pleaded guilty to two counts of murder when they appeared before the court in Makindye on Monday. The proceedings were presided over by Court Martial chairman Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa.
The convictions followed the admission of prosecution facts outlining how the two men allegedly helped organise and execute the operations at Munyonyo and Kalerwe.
According to prosecution led by Lieutenant Regina Nanzala, Lyavaala and Walusansa had been working as state informers on activities linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Prosecutors, however, allege that they instead became involved in facilitating operations that ultimately resulted in the deaths of Sumaya Byaruhanga and Azatu Sawiya.
Sumaya died on June 3, 2025, when an explosive device detonated near Kagwa Bridge, close to Munyonyo Catholic Shrine. Sawiya was killed on June 21 at Kalerwe Market.
Prosecution told court that the first operation was allegedly planned about three weeks before Martyrs Day.
Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Byaruhanga, who is jointly charged with Lyavaala and Walusansa but has denied the allegations, is accused of convening a meeting at Goers Hotel in Namulanda, along Entebbe Road.
According to the prosecution, Byaruhanga was unhappy with his superiors at the time and allegedly briefed the two informers about plans for a suicide bombing.
Lyavaala was allegedly tasked with finding a woman to carry out the operation, while Walusansa received money to secure a house. Prosecutors said he rented premises in Kinawa, Natete.
Lyavaala allegedly travelled to Busoga in search of a woman and contacted a person identified as Kassim, who brought Sumaya to him.
The prosecution further alleges that Lyavaala was directed to work with Walusansa and Anthony Sekalala, who is accused of making the explosives with Byaruhanga’s knowledge.
On June 3, prosecutors said, Byaruhanga drove Lyavaala and Walusansa to Munyonyo and told them that officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) had been alerted about the operation.
Sumaya later left the rented house carrying an explosive device. When she reached the designated area near Kagwa Bridge, the device exploded, killing her instantly.
Prosecutors said a second operation was planned roughly a week later, with Byaruhanga allegedly directing Lyavaala and Walusansa to find another woman.
Kassim again allegedly provided a recruit, identified as Azatu Sawiya. She was taken around Kalerwe as part of reconnaissance for the planned operation.
On June 21, Lyavaala was allegedly holding two explosive devices. Prosecutors said he was instructed to give one to Sawiya and the other to Kassim.
The prosecution alleges that Lyavaala told Sawiya to change motorcycles after reaching Busega.
According to the account presented in court, Lyavaala, Walusansa and JATT officers were waiting around Kalerwe when Sawiya approached the area.
She was subsequently shot upon reaching Kalerwe Market and died at the scene. The explosive device she was carrying was later detonated, after which police took control of the area.
Lyavaala and Walusansa were later charged with two counts of murder under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
The charges relate to the deaths of Sumaya at Kagwa Bridge on June 3 and Sawiya at Kalerwe Market on June 21.
Prosecutors allege that the killings were committed with malice aforethought.
Following the guilty pleas, Lt Nanzala asked the court to impose the death penalty. She argued that the two women were innocent and had been recruited into the operations without knowing the purpose of the items they were carrying.
The defence, led by Major Simon Busagwa Nsubuga, asked the court to consider a lesser sentence.
The lawyer described the convicts as family men who could be rehabilitated. He told court that one of them has six children and four wives, while one of his children suffers from a heart condition requiring continued parental care.
The court is scheduled to sentence Lyavaala and Walusansa on October 12, 2026.
Evidence adds twist to wider security case
The prosecution’s account has also added a new dimension to a broader security case involving Major General James Birungi.
Birungi, who was arrested in August 2026, faces separate charges including treachery and other security-related offences. His name had previously surfaced in reports concerning the Munyonyo and Kalerwe incidents.
However, evidence admitted during the proceedings against Lyavaala and Walusansa points to Lieutenant Colonel Byaruhanga as the alleged organiser of the two operations.
The prosecution alleges that Byaruhanga recruited the two informers, facilitated the recruitment of the women from Busoga and helped arrange the explosives.
Prosecutors further contend that the operations were intended to draw the attention of Byaruhanga’s superiors, Brigadier General Rugumayo and Major General Otto, and bolster the credibility of intelligence information he was providing.
The prosecution facts also indicate that Birungi had already been transferred to Mountain Division by the time of the alleged attacks and was no longer in charge of the intelligence and security structure in which Byaruhanga was operating.
