Ggaba Daycare Murder Suspect Okello to Present Defence Today

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.

Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha determined on Thursday that the prosecution’s evidence from 18 witnesses over nearly two weeks established a prima facie case on all four murder counts. She directed Okello to respond to the charges.

Initially planning a sworn testimony open to cross-examination, Okello switched to an unsworn statement after judicial clarification. This means he won’t be under oath, questioned by prosecutors, or led by his lawyers, Richard Kumbuga and Sarah Awelo.

To prepare, Okello sought access to three seized mobile phones to get contacts for his four intended witnesses. Prosecutors Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza helped power the devices, allowing him to retrieve the numbers.

He requested a weekend delay to review records, but the judge refused, citing his presence throughout the trial and legal support. She granted an extra hour initially, then adjourned to Friday morning when he said he needed more time.

The delay frustrated onlookers at the Ggaba Community Church playground court session, eager to hear Okello explain the April 2 attack on victims Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke, aged one to two-and-a-half.

Okello denies the charges, which carry the death penalty if proven. After his defence, final arguments will follow, then court assessors’ non-binding opinions, with a verdict possibly within a week.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)