Ggaba Residents Celebrate After Okello Receives Death Sentence

By skika Reporter

Residents of Ggaba Trading Centre broke into celebration following the sentencing of Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the killing of four toddlers in a case that has deeply affected the community.

The verdict, delivered by Alice Komuhangi Khaukha at a mobile sitting of the High Court in Kampala, sparked immediate reactions from crowds who had gathered since morning. As soon as the sentence was announced, people poured into the streets, singing, dancing, and banging household items such as saucepans and jerricans.

Children led chants declaring that Okello was gone, while adults joined in, turning the moment into a mix of remembrance and relief. Some residents called out the names of the young victims, including Keisha, as emotions ran high.

Many in the crowd praised the judge and prosecution, saying the ruling restored their faith in the justice system after weeks of grief and anxiety. Others expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as long-overdue justice for the victims.

The atmosphere remained lively as people lined the roads, clapping and chanting in support of the court’s decision. Some residents openly said they were waiting for the sentence to be carried out, viewing it as a warning to those who harm children.

When Justice Khaukha left the makeshift courtroom under tight security, the crowd cheered loudly, waving as her convoy departed. Songs and chants continued, reflecting what many described as a sense of closure after a traumatic period.

Inside the court, however, the proceedings were marked by emotional scenes. One of the victims’ parents broke down during the reading of the judgment and had to be assisted out, while others struggled to contain their grief.

The court found Okello guilty on four counts of murder for the deaths of Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke. The killings occurred on April 2 at a local early childhood development centre in Ggaba.

According to the prosecution, the 38-year-old carried out a planned and deliberate attack that lasted only minutes but had devastating consequences.

In her ruling, Justice Khaukha noted that Okello, as an adult, should have protected children rather than harm them, condemning the brutality of the crime.

Security at the court session was tight, with some residents earlier complaining about restricted access due to missing invitation cards, reportedly lost during a recent storm. Court officials acknowledged the issue and said it would be reviewed.

Despite the earlier concerns, the public viewing area later filled up, setting the stage for the strong reactions that followed the judgment. Okello still has the right to appeal the conviction within 14 days.