Ggaba daycare killings suspect to open defence on Friday

By Skika Reporter

Christopher Okello Onyum, the man accused of killing four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre, is set to begin his defence on Friday after a court ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to require him to respond.

The ruling was made on Thursday by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, who found that the State had established a prima facie case after calling 18 witnesses over nearly two weeks of hearings.

“I have evaluated the evidence produced against you, and it makes a case against you, requiring you to give your defence on each of the four counts,” the judge ruled.

Okello faces four counts of murder over the April 2 incident at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, where toddlers Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke—aged between one and two-and-a-half years—were killed.

Defence strategy shift

Initially, Okello had indicated that he would give sworn testimony, which would have exposed him to cross-examination by the prosecution. However, after clarification from the court, he opted instead to give an unsworn statement, meaning he will not be questioned by prosecutors during his defence.

He is being represented by lawyers Richard Kumbuga and Sarah Awelo.

Before settling on his approach, Okello requested access to three mobile phones that are part of the prosecution’s evidence, saying he needed to retrieve contact details for potential defence witnesses. With assistance from the State, the devices were powered on, allowing him to extract the information.

Adjournment request denied

Okello asked the court for a weekend adjournment to review case materials and prepare his defence, but Justice Komuhangi declined the request, noting he had been present throughout the trial and had adequate time and legal support.

“I am satisfied that he has been accorded sufficient time and facilities. Nevertheless, I will give him one more hour to compose himself,” the judge said before briefly adjourning the session.

When proceedings resumed, Okello said he was still unprepared, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to Friday morning to allow him additional time and to contact four witnesses he intends to call.

Public interest and next steps

The adjournment was met with visible frustration from members of the public who had gathered at the mobile court session at Ggaba Community Church playground, hoping to hear Okello’s account of the events.

Prosecutors, led by Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, will cross paths with the defence once Okello completes his testimony.

After the defence phase, both sides will make final submissions before court assessors give their opinions. However, the final decision rests with the judge.

A verdict could be delivered within about a week following the conclusion of hearings, bringing the high-profile trial closer to its conclusion.