news 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ggaba Daycare Trial Day One: Suspect Pleads Not Guilty Amid Community Outrage
Hundreds of residents gathered at Ggaba Church grounds for Uganda's first public mobile court trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, accused of murdering four toddlers at a local daycare. The suspect entered not guilty pleas to all charges, sparking anger as six witnesses testified on the tense opening day. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-day-one-of-the-ggaba-daycare-community-trial-unfolded-5422802
A heavy lake water scent filled the air under white tents at Ggaba Church community grounds on Monday, hosting the High Court’s mobile session by Lake Victoria. This marked Uganda’s inaugural public trial for a capital offense right in the affected neighborhood.
By 7am, crowds streamed in, limited to 1,000 via strict security checks, eager for justice over the stabbing deaths of four children aged one to two.
Legal teams arrived by 9:20am, followed by prosecutors at 9:35am. Court clerk Baker set rules at 9:50am, silencing phones amid rising tension.
At 10:30am, Christopher Okello Onyum, 38, entered under heavy guard from prison warders, army, and police, looking weak as he was placed in a holding cell.
Deputy Registrar Samuel Twakyire stressed the court’s seriousness, warning of arrests for disruptions.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha arrived at 10:47am, opening with a prayer by Pastor Peter Kasirivu. Okello chose English, drawing murmurs with his accent.
The judge outlined his rights, including presumption of innocence, which he acknowledged. He pleaded not guilty to all four murder counts after consulting lawyers, igniting public boos.
Prosecutors Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza led the state case, with state-provided defense for Okello. Six of 11 witnesses testified, including parents; one mother fainted from grief.
The trial continues Wednesday, with judgment possibly by Friday.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)