Ugandan witch doctor sentenced to seven years for possessing human skulls, blood

Summary:

• A 50-year-old witch doctor, John Magombe, from Masajja in Makindye Ssabagabo, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing three human skulls and blood in his shrine. High Court Judge Margaret Mutonyi highlighted the need for the public to report traditional healers who use human body parts. Magombe pleaded guilty to avoid life imprisonment, revealing he bought the skulls from fellow witch doctors.

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A 50-year-old witch doctor has been sentenced to seven years in prison after authorities discovered three human skulls and blood in his shrine. John Magombe, residing in Masajja, Makindye Ssabagabo, received the sentence from High Court Judge Margaret Mutonyi.

During the sentencing, Justice Mutonyi emphasized the importance of this case as a warning to the public. She urged people to report traditional healers who exploit human body parts to manipulate and intimidate their clients. Such practices often involve either human sacrifice or the desecration of graves to obtain the necessary parts.

Magombe’s admission of guilt played a significant role in his sentencing. To avoid the maximum penalty of life imprisonment, he pleaded guilty, revealing that he purchased the skulls from other witch doctors. This confession allowed the police to expedite their investigation without needing to determine the exact origin of the skulls.

As a result, Magombe was sentenced to seven years, but with time already spent in remand considered, his remaining term is 5 years, 8 months, and 4 days.

Court documents reveal that Magombe committed the offense in his shrine located in Kazinga Masajja, Kibira B village, Masajja Parish, Makindye Ssabagabo in Wakiso District. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the illegal use of human body parts in traditional healing practices in Uganda and the efforts of the judiciary to combat such activities.

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