Two state spies admit guilt in staging deadly Munyonyo and Kalerwe bombings

Hamza Lyavaala and Walusansa Adiil, formerly informers for state security agencies, have admitted to their involvement in two fatal bomb attacks that occurred in June 2025. The duo appeared before the General Court Martial in Makindye and pleaded guilty to two counts of murder.

The court, chaired by Brig Richard Tukacungurwa, accepted their guilty plea after they acknowledged the prosecution’s account of how the operations were planned and executed.

Prosecution, led by Lt Regina Nanzala, presented evidence suggesting that Lyavaala and Walusansa, while ostensibly monitoring the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), were actively facilitating attacks. These operations led to the deaths of Sumaya Byaruhanga in Munyonyo and Azatu Sawiya at Kalerwe Market.

According to the admitted facts, Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who denies the charges and faces a separate trial, allegedly organized the bombings. He is said to have recruited Lyavaala and Walusansa, purportedly due to dissatisfaction with his superiors. The prosecution detailed how Byaruhanga provided funds for renting a house and obtaining a bomb, and instructed Lyavaala to find female suicide bombers.

Sumaya Byaruhanga was killed by a bomb explosion in Munyonyo on June 3, 2025, shortly after arriving at the target area. Approximately two weeks later, on June 21, 2025, Azatu Sawiya was shot by Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) officers in Kalerwe Market before the bomb she carried detonated. Lyavaala reportedly provided the explosives to both women.

The prosecution is seeking the death penalty for the convicted informers, highlighting the innocent lives lost. The defense, however, has pleaded for leniency, citing the convicts’ family responsibilities and potential for reform.

These convictions bring a new perspective to a broader security case involving Major General James Birungi, though the admitted facts place Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga at the center of organizing these specific bomb incidents. The case for Lyavaala and Walusansa is adjourned for sentencing on October 12, 2026.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/two-state-spies-plead-guilty-to-staging-deadly-munyonyo-kalerwe-bombs