Ggaba Daycare Suspect Okello Denies Intent to Kill Toddlers, Blames Psychological Distress

Christopher Okello Onyun, the 38-year-old suspect in the tragic deaths of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre on April 2, 2026, began his defense at a public trial held at Ggaba Community Church. He firmly denied intentionally causing the deaths of Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke.

In an unsworn statement guided by his lawyer Richard Kumbuga, Okello insisted he was not guilty. ‘I did not intentionally cause the death of the four children,’ he told the court, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove malice aforethought.

Okello challenged his alleged confession statements, claiming they were extracted under duress. He dismissed suggestions of ritualistic motives or desires for riches, saying he was coerced into such admissions. He also explained violent videos and internet searches as non-voluntary, stating, ‘There were factors that were forcing me. I did not do those things willingly.’

Portraying himself as a hardworking farmer with good character and a promising future, Okello argued such a person would not commit the crime. He plans to call witnesses including his father, former landlord, and business associates from Nwoya to vouch for his conduct.

A key part of his defense highlighted intense psychological distress from mid-January to late March 2026. He described being threatened, stalked, and followed in Bunga, forcing him to abandon his home and live on the streets out of fear.

Okello suggested this distress might have caused undetected mental challenges affecting his actions. The trial follows a court ruling that the prosecution’s 18 witnesses established a prima facie case, with proceedings ongoing.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)