The General Court Martial has convicted two former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) recruits of murder after they pleaded guilty to charges arising from an alleged plot to carry out bomb attacks in Kampala.
The two, Hamza Lyavaala and Adiil Walusansa, admitted to participating in plans to carry out a bomb attack during the June 3, 2025 Martyrs Day celebrations in Munyonyo and another planned attack in Kalerwe.
The prosecution alleges that the Munyonyo attack resulted in the death of Sumayiya Baruhanga, who was allegedly carrying the bomb, while a boda boda rider was also killed.
The prosecution further alleges that the planned operation in Kalerwe resulted in the shooting death of a person identified as Sawiya.
Lyavaala and Walusansa are jointly charged with Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court’s conviction of Lyavaala and Walusansa followed their admission of the charges, while proceedings against Byaruhanga will continue separately.
The prosecution alleges that the accused were involved in preparations to carry out attacks intended to cause deaths and injuries in the two locations.
The Munyonyo incident occurred during preparations for the annual Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3, 2025, when thousands of pilgrims had gathered in Kampala to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs.
The case is being heard by the General Court Martial, which handles offences involving members of the armed forces and certain persons subject to military law.
The court is expected to determine the appropriate sentence for Lyavaala and Walusansa after their conviction.
The proceedings against Byaruhanga remain ongoing, and the allegations against him have not been proven.
