Date: May 2, 2026 l By Andrew Baba
A Ugandan court has sentenced a 39-year-old man, Christopher Okello Onyum, to death for the brutal killing of four young children at a nursery school in the capital, Kampala—an incident that shocked the nation and sparked widespread outrage.
The attack occurred on April 2, 2026, when Onyum entered a nursery school and fatally stabbed four toddlers aged between two and three years old in a violent assault that lasted only a few minutes.
Investigations later revealed disturbing evidence from the suspect’s electronic devices, including internet searches such as “schools near me” and references to extremist content, which prosecutors argued pointed to premeditation.
During the trial, the defense claimed that Onyum suffered from mental illness and should not be held fully responsible for his actions. However, the presiding judge rejected the insanity plea, ruling that the attack was deliberate and carefully planned.
The court emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the victims were particularly vulnerable due to their young age. In delivering the sentence, the judge concluded that the evidence clearly demonstrated intent and preparation, justifying the maximum penalty under Ugandan law.
The case was handled through a fast-tracked legal process, including a public “mobile court” session held near the crime scene, which drew large crowds and intense public reaction. While many residents welcomed the swift justice, some legal experts raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the proceedings.
Although Uganda retains the death penalty for serious crimes such as murder, executions have been rare in recent decades, with many death sentences later commuted to life imprisonment.
The tragic incident has reignited national debate about child safety, mental health, and the justice system, as well as the need for stronger protections in schools.