A witch doctor, John Magombe, has been sentenced to seven years in Luzira Prison after being found with three human skulls and confessing to human sacrifice. The sentence was handed down by Justice Margaret Mutonyi of the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala on June 10, 2024.
Magombe admitted his guilt, which led to a more lenient sentence. Justice Mutonyi noted that his guilty plea earned him a second chance to reflect on idol worship, its effects, and his relationship with God. The judge pointed out that Magombe uses the Christian name John and hoped he would emerge from prison as a better Christian.
The judge deducted the time Magombe had already spent in remand at Luzira Prison—5 years, 8 months, and 16 days—from his sentence. In her justification, Justice Mutonyi stated that the origins of the skulls were unclear, as the investigating officer did not determine if the skulls were taken from graveyards or elsewhere.
Magombe explained to the court that he bought the human skulls from another witch doctor (whose name was not disclosed) to use in his traditional healing practices.
Magombe was arrested on February 3, 2023, by a team of crime intelligence detectives from Katwe Police Station. The arrest took place in Kazinga Masaja, Kibira B village, Masajja Parish, in Makindye-Ssabagabo. During a search of his shrine, detectives found human remains, three skulls, and a bottle containing what appeared to be human or animal blood.
In her sentencing remarks, Justice Mutonyi stated that the trade in human skulls and bones attracts criminal activities, including the murder of children or adults for the purpose of selling these remains. She emphasized that this case should serve as a warning to other shrine owners who use human skulls or bones in their practices, as such actions are illegal under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Law.
The judge criticized the use of human skulls in traditional healing, describing it as manipulative and criminal. She referred to Biblical teachings, noting that Jesus Christ performed miracles without using human remains, implying that such practices are both satanic and primitive. She stressed that such actions have no place in a modern society like Uganda, which values both societal and Christian principles.
Magombe was informed of his right to appeal the sentence within 14 days. However, since he pleaded guilty, he cannot challenge the conviction itself, only the length of the sentence.
