The General Court Martial at Makindye has sentenced two former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) recruits, Hamza Lyavaala and Hadil Walusansa, to death for their involvement in the 2025 Kampala bomb attacks. The attacks resulted in the deaths of two women, Sumayiya Byaruhanga and Sawiya Azatu. The court, chaired by Brig Richard Tukacungura, found that Lyavaala and Walusansa had planned and organised the attacks.
The bomb attacks occurred in June 2025, with the first incident happening on June 3, 2025, at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations. Sumayiya Byaruhanga died when an explosive device she was carrying detonated. The second incident occurred on June 21, 2025, at Kalerwe Market, where Sawiya Azatu was shot dead by Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) officers.
The court considered several factors in its sentencing decision, including the loss of innocent lives, the fear caused among the public, and the level of planning involved in the attacks. Lyavaala and Walusansa had transported the two women from Busoga, arranged accommodation for them, and provided them with explosives to carry out the attacks.
During the trial, Lyavaala and Walusansa pleaded guilty to the charges and later testified against their co-accused, former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) Deputy Head of Operations Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga. They accused Byaruhanga of financing the operations, claiming the plan was to plant fake bombs to influence the government to release more money for security operations and attract the attention of his superiors.
In their mitigation, Lyavaala and Walusansa asked the court for lighter sentences, citing their family responsibilities, first-time offender status, and potential for rehabilitation. They also claimed to have placed their lives at risk while providing counter-terrorism intelligence. However, the court emphasized that sentencing should not only focus on rehabilitation but also ensure justice is served.
The court noted that Lyavaala and Walusansa's actions showed they posed a serious and lasting threat to society, warranting the death sentence. The two men were informed of their right to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the sentences. The court's decision was based on the severity of the crimes and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The sentencing of Lyavaala and Walusansa marks a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Uganda. The authorities have been working to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks, and the court martial's decision demonstrates the consequences of engaging in such activities. The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region and the need for continued vigilance.
Key points
- The court martial sentenced two former ADF recruits to death for their roles in the 2025 Kampala bomb attacks that killed two women.
- The attacks were planned and organised by the two men, who had transported the women from Busoga and provided them with explosives.
- The court considered the loss of innocent lives, fear caused among the public, and level of planning involved in its sentencing decision.
