A Ugandan court has heard the case of two individuals, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, accused of plotting bomb attacks in 2025. The accused were brought before the military court on October 5, 2026, and were to be sentenced for their alleged crimes. However, they changed their testimony, stating that they had been misled by their lawyers. The court, led by Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa, has adjourned the case until October 26, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the two accused had confessed to planning bomb attacks that resulted in the deaths of three people, including Sumayiya Baruhanga, who detonated a bomb in Munyonyo on June 3, 2025. The attacks also resulted in the death of a bodaboda rider and Azatu Sawiya, who was shot in Kalerwe on June 21, 2025. The accused had allegedly planned the attacks under the guidance of Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga.
Lt. Col. Byaruhanga, however, has denied any involvement in the bomb plot. He testified that he had been approached by the accused, who wanted to discuss a "security matter." He claimed that he had not provided them with any information or support. The prosecution alleges that Byaruhanga had provided the accused with explosives and had helped them plan the attacks.
The accused, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, had allegedly been in contact with several high-ranking military officials, including Brig. Gen. Rugumayo and Maj. General Oto. They had also allegedly met with Lt. Regina Nanzaala, who was representing the prosecution. The court has heard that the accused had been motivated by a desire to create fear and instability in the country.
The case has raised concerns about the involvement of military personnel in terrorist activities. The prosecution has alleged that Lt. Col. Byaruhanga had used his position to obtain explosives and to plan the attacks. The court has been told that Byaruhanga had also helped the accused to obtain a safe house in Nateete, where they had planned the attacks.
The accused have been held in custody since their arrest. The court has adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, to allow for further investigation. The prosecution has asked the court to consider the severity of the crimes and to impose a harsh sentence on the accused.
The case is ongoing, and the court has yet to deliver a verdict. The accused face charges of terrorism and murder. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment. The case has highlighted the threat of terrorism in Uganda and the need for vigilance and cooperation between security agencies to prevent such attacks.
Key points
- Two accused of plotting bomb attacks in Uganda have changed their testimony, denying involvement in the plot.
- The accused, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, had allegedly planned attacks that resulted in the deaths of three people in 2025.
- Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, a military official, has denied involvement in the bomb plot, despite prosecution allegations that he had provided the accused with explosives and support.
