Court Martial Sentences Two Former ADF Recruits to Death Over 2025 Kampala Bomb Attacks

The General Court Martial at Makindye has sentenced two former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) recruits, Hamza Lyavaala and Hadil Walusansa, to death for their roles in bomb attacks that killed two women in Kampala in June 2025.

The court, chaired by Brig Richard Tukacungura, found that the two had planned and organised the attacks in which Sumayiya Byaruhanga and Sawiya Azatu lost their lives.

Byaruhanga died when an explosive device she was carrying detonated at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations on June 3, 2025. Azatu was shot dead by Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) officers at Kalerwe Market on June 21, 2025.

In its sentencing decision, the court considered the loss of innocent lives, the fear caused among the public and the level of planning involved. It noted that the convicts had transported the two women from Busoga, arranged accommodation for them and provided them with explosives to carry out the attacks.

The court said the actions showed that the two men posed a serious and lasting threat to society, warranting the death sentence.

Lyavaala and Walusansa had pleaded guilty to the charges and later testified against their co-accused, former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) Deputy Head of Operations Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga.

They accused Byaruhanga of financing the operations, claiming the plan was to plant fake bombs to influence the government to release more money for security operations and attract the attention of his superiors.

During mitigation, the two asked the court for lighter sentences, saying they regretted their actions, had family responsibilities and were first-time offenders who could be rehabilitated. They also told the court that they had placed their lives at risk while providing counter-terrorism intelligence.

However, the court said sentencing should not only focus on rehabilitation but also ensure justice is served.

The two were informed of their right to appeal if they are dissatisfied with the sentences.