crime 7 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Prison Inmates and Public Try to Attack Ggaba Toddler Murder Suspect at Court
Christopher Okello Oyum, accused of killing four toddlers at Ggaba ECD Centre, faced hostility from fellow inmates and court attendees who attempted to assault him. Prison officers intervened to protect him and rushed him away under tight security. Source: https://observer.ug/news/fellow-inmates-public-attempt-to-lynch-ggaba-toddler-murder-suspect-at-court
Uganda Prisons had to separate Christopher Okello Oyum from other inmates during transport to court, as they refused to share space with the suspect in the Ggaba toddler murders.
Tensions rose when members of the public present for other cases tried to attack him, prompting quick action from prison staff who loaded him onto a bus to prevent violence.
The 39-year-old suspect, dressed in faded jeans and a striped jacket, stayed composed in court and faced cameras openly. He appeared before grade one magistrate Idah Nanjala for charge communication but did not enter a plea, as murder cases go to the High Court.
Prosecutors allege Okello deliberately killed Rayan Eteku, Keisha Agenoroth, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Rayan Odeke, all aged one to two, on April 2, 2026, at the ECD centre. He allegedly posed as a parent, paid Shs 180,000 for admission, then attacked the children.
The magistrate outlined his rights, including state legal aid and High Court bail options. Earlier, Okello refused to record a confession at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court. The case resumes Wednesday at 3:00 pm, with investigations almost done.
Okello faces four murder counts under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act. He was arrested last Thursday after police and army used teargas and gunfire to save him from a mob. Police are probing possible earlier murders linked to him since 2019, including an unverified social media claim by a woman about her one-year-old son.
Security escorted him safely from the premises.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)