High Court Orders Christopher Okello to Defend Himself in Ggaba Daycare Murder Case

The High Court in Kampala has ruled that Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the tragic Ggaba daycare case, must defend himself against four counts of murder.

Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha delivered the ruling after the prosecution closed its case, having presented 18 witnesses to support the charges. In her decision, Judge Khaukha stated that the evidence presented was sufficient to require Okello to respond to each of the four counts.

Okello now faces terrible legal choices following the court order to prepare his defence. He may choose to give sworn testimony, which would allow the prosecution to cross-examine him, or make an unsworn statement that avoids cross-examination. Alternatively, he can remain silent and not present any defence at all. Importantly, he also retains the right to call witnesses in his defence.

Following the ruling, Okello was granted 30 minutes to consult with his lawyers, Richard Kumbuga and Sarah Awelo, before informing the court of his chosen course of action.

The charges arise from the fatal stabbing of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre on April 2, 2026. The victims were Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke.

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This act rose public fuss in Kampala and Uganda at large. Families of the victims, along with the wider community, are watching closely as the case unfolds. Now that the high court ordered Okello Christopher to prepare his defence, Ugandans eagerly awaits for justice to be served for the children whose lives were cut short.