Two ex-informers convicted for role in staged bombings

The General Court Martial in Makindye has convicted Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, former government informers, for their roles in two failed suicide bombings. The incidents, which occurred in Munyonyo and Kalerwe in June 2025, were presented to the court as staged events. Lyavaala and Walusansa pleaded guilty to two counts of murder.

Prosecution stated that the bombings were planned in the lead-up to Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who denies the charges, allegedly briefed the two informers on the suicide mission. Lyavaala was tasked with finding a female suicide bomber, while Walusansa was provided with funds to rent a house for the preparations.

The first incident on June 3, 2025, near Munyonyo Catholic Shrine, involved a woman identified as Bruninga Sumaya. According to the prosecution, Byaruhanga informed the informers that anti-terror officers were aware and would intercept the operation. Sumaya died when the bomb she was carrying exploded prematurely.

Approximately a week later, a second woman, Azatu Sawiya, was recruited for a planned attack in Kalerwe. After being briefed and taken on reconnaissance, Sawiya was given a bomb. Lyavaala allegedly alerted Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) officers, who subsequently shot and killed Sawiya at Kalerwe Market. The bomb she carried was detonated.

Lyavaala and Walusansa were arrested and charged with the murders of Sumaya and Sawiya, with malice aforethought. Both admitted to the facts presented by the prosecution. The court chairman, Brig Richard Tukacungurwa, convicted them based on their guilty pleas.

During sentencing submissions, the prosecution sought the death penalty, citing the targeting of vulnerable individuals and the creation of public fear. The defense, however, pleaded for leniency, highlighting the convicts’ status as family men and sole breadwinners, and requesting consideration for their guilty pleas and potential for rehabilitation.

Sentencing for Lyavaala and Walusansa is scheduled for October 12. The case involving Lt Col Byaruhanga will proceed separately. The investigation into these “staged” bombings also led to the arrest of several senior UPDF officers, including Maj Gen James Birungi, who faces charges of treachery.