Christopher Onyum Sentenced to Death for Four Toddler Murders in Kampala, Uganda
A man has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of four toddlers at a nursery school in Uganda's capital, Kampala, earlier this month.
Ugandan Court Rejects Insanity Plea
Christopher Okello Onyum, 38, fatally stabbed Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth, Sseruyange Ignatius, and Odeke Ryan, all aged between one and two years old, at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program on 2 April. Prosecutors stated Onyum initially admitted the crime, calling it a "human sacrifice" for wealth, though he later pleaded not guilty, claiming mental illness prevented him from forming intent to kill.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka, delivering judgment at a makeshift High Court in the community, ruled Onyum was "very sane" at the time of the attack. "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. She also noted Onyum showed no remorse.
The prosecution presented 18 witnesses, including DNA evidence linking Onyum to the murder weapon, CCTV footage of his movements, and call data placing him at the scene. Two daycare staff members testified to witnessing the attacks.
Onyum, who holds both Ugandan and US citizenship, has 14 days to appeal the sentence. While capital punishment remains law in Uganda, executions are rarely carried out; the last recorded instance was in 2005.
