Police in Uganda have arrested a man, Ddamulira Godfrey, after allegedly discovering 24 human skulls in his shrine, sparking fears of involvement in human sacrifice. The gruesome find was made in the suburbs of Kampala, the capital city, and has led to an ongoing investigation as authorities search for additional remains.
Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that Godfrey will be charged under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, a law that strictly prohibits the possession of human body parts and the practice of human sacrifice. If convicted, Godfrey could face life imprisonment.
“We are charging him first under the Prevention and Prohibition of Human Sacrifice Act, which forbids possession of human body parts and instruments used in such practices,” Onyango said. “If he is found guilty, he will serve life in prison.”
In addition to the human skulls, investigators also found animal remains and skins at Godfrey’s shrine. The discovery has sent shockwaves across the country, and the police continue to search the premises for more human remains.
Godfrey, who claims to be a traditional healer and herbalist, has been disowned by the country’s Traditional Healers’ Association, which has distanced itself from his alleged practices.
This is the second disturbing case of its kind in recent weeks. In a separate incident last month, police recovered 17 human skulls from a shrine in Mpigi, a district approximately 41 kilometers (25 miles) from Kampala. Both cases are suspected to be linked to ritualistic human sacrifice, a practice still believed by some in Uganda and other African countries to bring wealth, luck, or to curse enemies.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to uncover the full extent of these practices and to bring those responsible to justice.