Ggaba Daycare Murder Suspect Okello to Present Defence on Friday

Christopher Okello Onyun, the main suspect in the tragic stabbing deaths of four young children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, is set to launch his defence on Friday. The incident occurred on April 2, claiming the lives of toddlers Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke, aged one to two-and-a-half years.

Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha determined Thursday that the prosecution’s 18 witnesses over nearly two weeks built sufficient evidence, requiring Okello to respond to the four murder counts. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Initially planning a sworn testimony open to cross-examination, Okello switched to an unsworn statement after judicial clarification. This means no oath, no cross-examination, and no lawyer-led questioning from his team, Richard Kumbuga and Sarah Awelo.

To prepare, Okello sought access to three seized mobile phones for witness contacts, which the court granted with prosecution help. He requested a weekend delay to review records but was denied, as the judge noted his full trial attendance and legal support. An extra hour was allowed, but he still needed more time, leading to Friday’s adjournment.

Okello plans to summon four defence witnesses. The public at the Ggaba Community Church session expressed frustration over the delay. Post-defence, final arguments will follow, then court assessors’ non-binding opinions, with a verdict possibly within a week.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)