A Ugandan-American man has been sentenced to death for the murder of four young children at a kindergarten in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, in a case that has shocked the country.
The convict, identified as Christopher Okello Onyum, was arrested on April 2 while allegedly attempting to flee the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre after the fatal attack.
According to prosecutors, the victims—aged between 15 months and two-and-a-half years—were stabbed to death during the incident.
Authorities told the court that Onyum initially confessed to carrying out the killings, claiming he believed the act of “human sacrifice” would make him wealthy, although he later pleaded not guilty during trial proceedings.
In delivering judgment on Thursday, the court rejected the defence’s claim that the accused was mentally unstable at the time of the attack.
The presiding judge ruled that the manner in which the killings were carried out suggested deliberate planning and intent.
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The court also noted that the defendant showed no sign of remorse throughout the proceedings and failed to offer any apology to the victims’ families.
Investigators further revealed that Onyum had reportedly searched online for videos linked to extremist violence and information about schools attended by very young children before the attack.
However, authorities said there was no clear evidence indicating
a political or religious motive behind the killing.
During the trial, the court heard emotional testimonies from staff members and parents of the victims.
One staff member recounted witnessing the suspect attacking children inside the facility before attempting to intervene.
Parents of the deceased children also testified, describing the final moments they shared with their children before dropping them off at the kindergarten and the traumatic experience of receiving news of the attack.
The case has drawn widespread outrage in Uganda, with many calling for stronger child protection measures and tighter security around schools and daycare centres.