By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
A High Court in Uganda sentenced a man to death on Thursday for the fatal stabbing of four toddlers at a nursery school in Kampala earlier this month. Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka delivered the ruling at a makeshift court established in the Ggaba community where the tragedy occurred. Christopher Okello Onyum, a 38-year-old Ugandan-born American, was convicted on four counts of murder for the April 2 attack that claimed the lives of Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth, Sseruyange Ignatius, and Odeke Ryan. The victims were all between 15 months and two-and-a-half years old.
A Calculated Attack on the Defenseless
According to police, Onyum gained entry to the daycare by posing as a parent seeking placement for a child. Once inside, the prosecution established that he used a kitchen knife to target the infants in what the court described as a “slaughter.” Witness testimony from daycare staff detailed the harrowing moments of the assault. One staff member recalled the initial confusion: “At first I thought he was beating a child, when I asked him why he was beating our children, before he responded I saw Kaisha (one of the victims) against a wall in the pool of blood,” she testified. The staff member attempted to intervene by throwing a child’s bicycle at Onyum, which diverted his attention long enough for her to flee. Security personnel later had to fire warning shots to disperse an angry crowd that attempted to lynch Onyum as he tried to escape.
Motivations of Wealth and Ritual
Prosecutors revealed that Onyum initially admitted to the killings, characterizing them as a “human sacrifice” intended to bring him riches. Forensic evidence further demonstrated premeditation. Digital records showed that Onyum had searched online for Islamic State beheadings and scouted local schools for young children. Despite these findings, the court found no definitive evidence of a specific political or religious motivation. The prosecution bolstered its case with 18 witnesses, CCTV footage tracking Onyum’s movements, and DNA evidence found on the murder weapon’s handle.
Rejection of Insanity Defense
Onyum later pleaded not guilty and attempted to use an insanity defense, claiming a mental illness prevented him from forming intent. Justice Khauka rejected this, citing the “accurate and precise manner” of the killings. The judge concluded that Onyum was “very sane” on the day 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 said. She rejected any justification based on personal motives, stating the ruling aims to uphold the rule of law and deter similar crimes.
A Rare Sentence and Community Reaction
The death penalty remains legal in Uganda but is rarely implemented. The last execution in the country took place in 2005. The sentencing on Thursday prompted cheers from the local crowd gathered at the court. The judge noted Onyum’s lack of contrition during the proceedings. “I have also considered that the convict has not shown any remorse at all, because I would have at least expected an apology from him to the families of the babies,” she stated. “I hereby sentence him to such a death,” she ruled, later adding, “I hereby sentence him to suffer death.”
Legal Recourse and Diplomatic Implications
Onyum holds dual citizenship in Uganda and the United States. This status may draw international attention to the case as the legal process continues. Following the verdict, the convict was informed of his right to contest the decision. Onyum has 14 days to file an appeal against the death sentence. While the ruling offers a sense of closure to the Ggaba community, the case now enters a complex legal phase where international human rights standards regarding capital punishment may intersect with Uganda’s judicial mandate, leaving the final resolution of Onyum’s fate to the higher courts.
