Two Former State Informers Convicted for Deadly Bomb Attacks

Hamza Lyavala and Adiil Walusansa, who previously served as informers for state security agencies, have been convicted of murder. They admitted their roles in orchestrating bomb attacks that claimed the lives of Sumaya Byaruhanga in Munyonyo and Azatu Sawiya in Kalerwe back in June 2025.

The two appeared before the General Court Martial, where they confessed to the prosecution’s account of events. The court heard how Lyavala and Walusansa, while working as informers providing intelligence on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), allegedly facilitated operations that led to the fatalities.

The prosecution detailed how Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Byaruhanga, who denies the charges and is set for trial, allegedly dissatisfied with his superiors, met with Lyavala and Walusansa. The plan, according to the admitted facts, was for the attacks to draw attention to the intelligence Byaruhanga was providing.

Lyavala and Walusansa were allegedly tasked with finding individuals to carry out suicide missions. Lyavala reportedly recruited Sumaya Byaruhanga for the Munyonyo attack, which occurred on June 3, 2025, during Martyrs Day activities. The device detonated near Kagwa Bridge, killing her. Lt Col Byaruhanga then allegedly alerted security forces to the scene.

Following this, Byaruhanga allegedly instructed the two informers to find another woman for a second operation. Azatu Sawiya was recruited and involved in the Kalerwe Market bombing on June 21, 2025, where she was shot by security forces, and the device she carried was detonated.

The prosecution argued that these actions were intended to instill public fear and destabilize the nation, recommending the death penalty. The defense sought leniency, highlighting the accused as reformed individuals. Sentencing is scheduled for October 12, 2026.

These convictions add a new layer to the ongoing case involving Major General James Birungi, who faces separate charges. While initial information linked Birungi to these attacks, the court’s proceedings have primarily focused on Lt Col Byaruhanga’s alleged role in organizing them. Birungi’s own case was adjourned to the same date as the sentencing for Lyavala and Walusansa.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/375816/two-state-informers-convicted-over-munyonyo-kalerwe-bombings