Tragic Murder of Courageous Teenager Elianne Andam Shocks Community

"Where’s my teddy, where’s my teddy?" were among the heartbreaking final words Elianne Andam heard shortly before her tragic death. The 15-year-old aspiring lawyer was brutally stabbed while courageously stepping up to defend her friend, who had met with ex-boyfriend Hassan Sentamu to exchange personal items following their breakup.

Elianne had no knowledge that Sentamu, an 18-year-old who had previously shown tendencies toward violent outbursts, had concealed a kitchen knife under his clothing and was ready to use it at the slightest provocation. Sentamu later admitted to manslaughter but attempted to deny responsibility for murder by arguing he had suffered a "loss of control" due to his autism.

Despite defense arguments highlighting Sentamu's difficult childhood — escaping domestic abuse in Uganda, facing foster care, and ongoing mental struggles including suicidal ideation — jurors remained unconvinced. After deliberations, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum of 23 years. Upon hearing the sentence, Elianne’s grieving mother told Sentamu she herself was now serving a "life sentence of grief."

Elianne, described by her heartbroken family as "an amazing, beautiful girl," was a student who excelled academically in drama, music, and English and had aspirations of pursuing studies in human rights. Sentamu, unable to handle perceived disrespect, was driven to deadly violence by what had initially been seen by peers as teenage drama.

Events escalated sharply the day before the killing when Sentamu, agitated after a humiliating encounter where Elianne and her friends threw water over him, ominously declared to a friend, "Bro, I can’t let this slide." Planning overnight, he arrived the following morning at the agreed meeting place, suspiciously wearing gloves and a mask.

After a tense exchange, Elianne intervened to help recover her friend's belongings. Sentamu then pursued and fatally attacked her, plunging a 12cm knife into her neck, resulting in fatal injuries. Witnesses, including Elianne's horrified friends, recounted seeing her desperately pleading and backing away as Sentamu continued his assault before fleeing.

Though apprehended shortly after the attack and showing no remorse when asked by police officers if he had anything to say to the victim's family, Sentamu later continued to exhibit aggressive behavior, going as far as threatening a fellow inmate. Elianne’s mother poignantly described the emptiness and grief now pervasive in her life, lamenting how her daughter’s dreams and limitless potential had been cruelly stolen.