Two ex-spies sentenced to death over killing two women in staged bomb attacks

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s General Court Martial in Makindye has sentenced two former Allied Democratic Forces members, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, to death over the killings of two women in separate bomb incidents tied to the 2025 Martyrs Day period. The court said the deaths were the result of a planned operation that used vulnerable women as carriers of explosive devices, rather than spontaneous acts. Brig Richard Tukacungurwa, who presided over the case, said the conduct showed extreme cruelty and created lasting danger for the public.

According to the court record described by the newspaper, the first victim, Byaruhanga Sumayiya, was brought from Busoga, housed in a rented home and later given an explosive device that detonated at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine on June 3, 2025. The second victim, Sawiya Azuta, was allegedly recruited for a similar mission and was later shot dead after being intercepted by Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce operatives at Kalerwe on June 21, 2025. The court found that the operation involved prior planning, including meetings, money transfers and coordination with security actors who were allegedly misled about the mission.

The prosecution had sought the maximum penalty, while defence lawyers asked for leniency, pointing to guilty pleas, remorse and the men’s former counter-terrorism roles. The court said those factors were outweighed by the seriousness of the crimes. Lyavaala’s background as a former ADF recruit was also noted, while no prior record was presented against Walusansa. Both men were informed they can appeal. A third accused, Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, remains pending trial separately.