UgandaTwo Convicted of Murder
Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa pleaded guilty to staging bomb incidents in Munyonyo and Kalerwe, two former security informers were convicted of murder. They were working with Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who denies the charges.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The General Court Martial in Makindye convicted two former security informers, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, of murder after they pleaded guilty to two counts of murder. The convictions are related to bomb incidents at Munyonyo and Kalerwe in June 2025.
Prosecutor Lt Regina Nanzala told the court that Lyavaala and Walusansa were involved in facilitating the operations that resulted in the deaths of two people, Sumaya Byaruhanga at Munyonyo on June 3, 2025, and Azatu Sawiya at Kalerwe Market on June 21, 2025.
The prosecution alleged that Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who has denied the charges, met Lyavaala and Walusansa at Goers Hotel in Namulanda, along Entebbe Road, about three weeks before the 2025 Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. Byaruhanga allegedly recruited them for a staged suicide attack.
Lyavaala and Walusansa accepted the prosecution's account of the killings and were convicted by the court, chaired by Brig Richard Tukacungurwa. Byaruhanga is due to stand trial next week over the same charges.
In a related development, Maj Gen James Birungi's bail hearing was stalled as the prosecution failed to respond to his bail application. Birungi has been in detention since August 2025 and faces charges of treachery and offences relating to security.
The General Court Martial extended Birungi's detention until October 12, 2026, when the court will reconvene to hear his bail application. Birungi denies the allegations against him.
The convictions of Lyavaala and Walusansa bring to light the alleged involvement of security personnel in staging terrorist attacks. The case against Byaruhanga is ongoing, and his trial is expected to start soon.
Key facts
- Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa pleaded guilty to two counts of murder
- The convictions are related to bomb incidents at Munyonyo and Kalerwe in June 2025
- Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga denies the charges and is due to stand trial next week
- Maj Gen James Birungi's bail hearing was stalled due to the prosecution's failure to respond
Three perspectives
Neutral
The convictions of Lyavaala and Walusansa highlight the complexity of the case, and the ongoing trial of Byaruhanga will provide more insight into the allegations. The delay in Birungi's bail hearing has raised concerns about the prosecution's preparedness. The case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
Positive
The convictions of Lyavaala and Walusansa demonstrate the effectiveness of the judicial system in holding individuals accountable for their actions. The case against Byaruhanga and Birungi will provide an opportunity for the court to scrutinize the allegations and ensure that justice is served.
Negative
The allegations against Byaruhanga and Birungi raise concerns about the involvement of security personnel in staging terrorist attacks. The delay in Birungi's bail hearing has sparked criticism about the prosecution's handling of the case, and the convictions of Lyavaala and Walusansa may be seen as a attempt to shift blame.
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