Ugandan Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Four Toddlers at Nursery School
Kampala, 30 April 2026
Christopher Okello Onyum received a death sentence for stabbing four infants aged one to two at a Kampala nursery on 2 April 2026, claiming the murders were ‘human sacrifice’ to make him rich before pleading insanity.
Death Sentence Delivered in Community Court
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka delivered the death sentence at a makeshift High Court established within the community where the tragic murders occurred on 2 April 2026 [1]. The judge described Onyum as “very sane” on the day of the attack, rejecting his defence of mental illness [1]. “He targeted them in their defenceless state and went ahead to slaughter them like animals… and had no fear, no shame, no consideration for human life,” Justice Khauka stated, prompting cheers from the assembled crowd [1]. The judge also noted that Onyum had shown no remorse throughout the proceedings, expressing that she would have expected at least an apology to the victims’ families [1].
Victims and Attack Details
The four victims were identified as Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth, Sseruyange Ignatius, and Odeke Ryan, all aged between one and two years old [1]. Onyum, who holds both Ugandan and US citizenship, fatally stabbed the infants at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program on 2 April [1]. During the investigation, prosecutors revealed that Onyum had initially admitted to the crime, describing it as a “human sacrifice” that he believed would make him wealthy [1]. However, he subsequently entered a plea of not guilty, claiming he was suffering from mental illness at the time and was unable to form the intent to kill [1].
Prosecution Evidence and Trial Proceedings
The prosecution presented a comprehensive case involving 18 witnesses and multiple forms of evidence [1]. Forensic analysis revealed DNA evidence linking Onyum to the handle of the murder weapon, identified as a kitchen knife [1]. CCTV footage tracked his movements before the attack, whilst call data records placed him at the scene during the time of the murders [1]. Two daycare staff members provided eyewitness testimony, confirming they witnessed Onyum attacking the toddlers [1]. This combination of digital, forensic, and eyewitness evidence formed the foundation of the prosecution’s case against the 38-year-old defendant [1].
Capital Punishment Context and Appeal Process
Whilst Uganda has not abolished capital punishment, executions are rarely carried out, with the last recorded case taking place in 2005 [1]. This historical context suggests that despite the death sentence, actual execution remains unlikely [GPT]. Onyum has 14 days from the sentencing date to lodge an appeal against the court’s decision [1]. The case has raised significant concerns about security protocols at educational facilities serving vulnerable populations, particularly in regions hosting refugee communities where additional safety measures may be necessary to protect children in institutional settings [GPT]. The tragic incident at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures at nursery schools and early childhood centres across East Africa [GPT].