Soroti High Court to Rule Thursday in Jozan School Ritual Murder Case

What the report says

The Soroti High Court is scheduled to issue its ruling on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in the murder trial linked to the death of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio, a Primary One pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, according to Nile Post. The case has drawn wide public attention in Teso since the child was found dead in a school toilet on February 5, 2025.

The trial was heard during a special High Court session in Soroti and wrapped up after about two and a half weeks of proceedings. Justice Boniface Wamala had earlier set aside Tuesday, August 18, for assessors’ opinions before the final judgment. Prosecutors say Apio was unlawfully killed with malice aforethought, while the six adult accused have all denied the charges.

Those facing murder charges are former school directors Joseph Okedi and Suzan Vivian Ariokot, headteacher James Edoket, Detective Corporal John Bosco Obotol, school cook Valentin Opio and school matron Osula Adong. The court had already found a prima facie case to answer, prompting the defence stage of the trial. During that stage, Ariokot presented CCTV footage from a bank to support her claim that she was elsewhere when the killing happened.

The article also says the prosecution relied on DNA evidence from exhibits sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory, including samples said to match the deceased. Two juveniles who were initially suspects later became prosecution witnesses after pleading guilty. The ruling will determine whether the prosecution has met the criminal standard needed for conviction or whether the accused should be acquitted.