Muhoozi Kainerugaba

The General Court Martial in Makindye has sentenced two former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) members, Hamza Lyavaala and Adil Walusansa, to death for the murder of two women in staged bomb incidents linked to the 2025 Martyrs Day celebrations. The court, presided over by Brigadier General Richard Tukacungurwa, ruled that the murders were premeditated and involved the deliberate recruitment and exploitation of vulnerable women who were given explosive devices to carry out purported suicide missions. Prosecution evidence showed that the first victim, Byaruhanga Sumayiya, was transported from Busoga and given an explosive device strapped to her body. She died on June 3, 2025, when it exploded at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine during the annual celebrations. The second victim, Sawiya Azuta, was recruited for another operation but was intercepted by Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) operatives at Kalerwe on June 21, 2025, and subsequently died during the incident. In his sentencing remarks, Brigadier Tukacungurwa said the crimes involved careful planning and had caused immense suffering, while throwing the public into panic and fear. The defence lawyers asked for lighter sentences, citing the convicts' guilty pleas, remorse and previous involvement in counter-terrorism operations. They also presented their family circumstances, noting that Lyavaala has six children while Walusansa has seven. However, the court ruled that the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating factors and imposed the death sentence on both men. They were also informed of their right to appeal. The two were jointly charged with Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Byaruhanga, a former commander of special operations in the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence. Byaruhanga remains a co-accused and is expected to face trial separately.