Kampala: A High Court in Kampala has sentenced a 39 year old man to death after finding him guilty of killing four young children at a nursery school earlier this month, in a case that has deeply shaken the country.
The man, identified as Christopher Okello Onyum, was convicted of murdering the children, who were all between the ages of two and three. The tragic incident took place on April 2 at a nursery school in the city, sending waves of grief and fear among parents and communities across Uganda.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the killings were planned and intentional. The court rejected claims by the defence that the accused was mentally unstable and therefore not responsible for his actions.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the attacker had visited the school before the incident and later returned pretending to be a parent. Once inside, he carried out the deadly attack in a short span of time before he was stopped by a security guard. The entire incident is believed to have lasted only a few minutes, but its impact has been lasting and painful.
Investigators told the court that they found digital evidence suggesting the man had planned the attack in advance. Searches recovered from his devices included looking up schools and other disturbing material. The judge said this showed clear intent and preparation, strengthening the case that the crime was not accidental or driven by confusion.
The defence team had argued that their client had a history of mental health challenges and should not face the full weight of the law. However, medical assessments presented in court indicated that he was aware of his actions at the time of the attack. The judge concluded that he was legally responsible.
The case has drawn strong public reaction. Many parents have expressed fear about the safety of children in schools, while others have called for stronger measures to protect learning spaces. The trial itself attracted large crowds, reflecting the deep concern and emotional response from the public.
This kind of attack is rare in Uganda, which made the incident even more shocking. Community leaders and education officials have since called for tighter security checks at schools and better systems to monitor who enters school premises.
Uganda still has the death penalty for serious crimes such as murder, although executions have not been carried out in many years. Legal experts say that even after a death sentence is given, the case often goes through a long appeals process. In many cases, such sentences are later reduced to life imprisonment.
Lawyers for the convicted man have already indicated that they will appeal the ruling. This means the case is likely to continue in higher courts, and the final outcome may take time.
For now, the focus remains on the families of the victims, who continue to mourn the loss of their children. The tragedy has left a lasting mark on the community and raised difficult questions about safety, justice, and how such a crime could happen in a place meant to protect and nurture young lives.