Ugandan Man Confesses to Kindergarten Killings, Claims Ritual Motive

A 39-year-old man has confessed to the fatal stabbing of four young children at a Ugandan kindergarten, telling authorities he carried out the killings believing they would bring him wealth through human sacrifice.
Christopher Okello Onyum, who holds citizenship in both Uganda and the United States, faced formal charges in court on Wednesday. Prosecutors said he entered the kindergarten by pretending to be a parent before launching the knife attack that killed four children between 15 months and two-and-a-half years old.
Court documents show Onyum provided a statement admitting to all four deaths. Medical evaluations determined he is mentally competent to stand trial, though prosecutors noted he holds beliefs in obtaining riches through ritual sacrifice.
The facility served vulnerable children from three months to three years of age. Evidence will demonstrate that Onyum spent several days planning the assault before executing it, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Family members of the victims who attended the hearing expressed anger toward the defendant. The attack had earlier provoked public outrage, with a mob attempting to attack Onyum before police detained him.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced last week that authorities will seek capital punishment in the case.
The court remanded Onyum in custody with no trial date scheduled.

SOURCE: AFP