A man arrested in eastern Uganda has confessed to killing 49 people—including 15-year-old Sumaya Edrisa Binti—for ritual sacrifices, according to police. Specifically, authorities detained him in connection with Binti’s defilement and murder in Mbale City in March 2025. Moreover, he now claims a witch doctor hired him to collect human blood and index fingers for occult rituals.
According to investigators, the suspect killed Binti, a Senior Two student at Nakaloke Secondary School, inside a lodge room on March 23. Afterward, he allegedly cut off her index finger, collected her blood, and fled the scene. Following months of surveillance, Crime Intelligence operatives—led by Assistant Superintendent Ismael Ssenono—arrested him in Budebela Cell, Mayuge Town Council, last Saturday.
During questioning, the suspect admitted not only to Binti’s murder but also to 48 other killings. “He told detectives a witch doctor asked for human blood and an index finger for rituals,” a senior officer said. Additionally, he claims he received Shs5 million for each offering.
Because of the gravity of his claims, investigators are now working urgently to verify them. “We are taking his statements seriously,” the officer explained, “especially since he already faced a pending human trafficking case in court—very similar to Binti’s.” So far, however, he has only named Binti as a victim and refuses to identify the others.
Currently, police are holding the suspect at Iganga Central Police Station. Nonetheless, they plan to transfer him to Mbale City, where Binti’s case remains under active investigation.
In Binti’s case, police records show the suspect checked into Grace Guest House in Mbale around 9 a.m. At that time, he told staff his “girlfriend” would soon join him. After settling into room 11, he waited alone. Just four hours later, a receptionist discovered Binti’s naked body tied with a mosquito net—and her index finger missing. By then, the suspect had already escaped.
Surprisingly, he soon called the guest house manager and urged him to “check their property” in room 11. As a result, the manager immediately reported the crime to Nkoma Police Station. Unfortunately, investigators could not identify the suspect for months.
Their breakthrough finally came on June 29—three months later—when police arrested the same man with a 16-year-old girl in a Mayuge guest house. Consequently, they linked him to Binti’s murder and charged him with human trafficking. Although a court initially remanded him to prison, he later applied for bail. Then, on October 16, the court granted his release.
Alarmingly, investigators believe he resumed ritual killings soon after gaining freedom. “He reconnected with the traditional healer to continue the sacrifices,” a source revealed. Right now, police are tracing his network—especially the witch doctors and accomplices involved.
Undoubtedly, the case has shocked Ugandans and raised serious concerns about ritual-related violence and teen safety. Therefore, authorities urge citizens to report suspicious behavior without delay. As the probe continues, the Uganda ritual killings suspect may face dozens of murder charges—if police can corroborate his claims. Ultimately, justice for Binti and dozens of potential victims depends not just on confession, but on hard evidence.
READ: Police Investigate Ritual Killing of 5-Year-Old Pupil in Soroti
