The trial of a man accused of murdering four toddlers at a Kampala kindergarten has opened in Uganda, drawing intense public scrutiny and reigniting debate over the country’s struggle with ritual killing and the pace of its justice system.

In a packed courtroom, Christopher Okello Onyum stood in the dock and denied four counts of murder, despite prosecutors insisting he had earlier confessed to the killings during preliminary proceedings.

“I plead not guilty to this charge, my lord,” he said calmly, as relatives of the victims watched from the gallery, some wiping away tears.

Prosecutors allege that Onyum entered the kindergarten armed with a knife and fatally stabbed four children aged between 15 months and two and a half years. Investigators say he was arrested shortly afterward while attempting to flee the scene.

The case has horrified many Ugandans, not only because of the victims’ ages but also because of the alleged motive. According to the prosecution, Onyum told investigators he believed that killing the children as a form of “human sacrifice” would bring him wealth. Such claims have revived fears about ritual practices that authorities and rights groups say persist in some parts of the country despite repeated crackdowns.

Outside the courthouse, anger and anxiety were evident. Parents and community members questioned how such an attack could occur in what should have been a safe space for children. Some carried photographs of the victims, demanding swift justice.

The case has also become a focal point for criticism of Uganda’s judicial delays. “We have seen many cases take years before judgment,” said university student Swabrah Kirabo, who joined others observing the proceedings. “People are worried this one will also drag on while the families wait for closure.”

Legal analysts say the trial will test the capacity of investigators and prosecutors to handle emotionally charged, high-profile crimes. Defense lawyers are expected to challenge the alleged confession, raising questions about how it was obtained and whether Onyum fully understood his rights.

The court is scheduled to hear testimony from police officers, medical experts, and staff from the kindergarten, as well as relatives of the children. For many Ugandans, the proceedings have become a measure of whether the justice system can respond decisively to one of the country’s most disturbing recent crimes.