Ggaba Daycare Murders: Assessors Recommend Conviction of Okello, Judgment Set for Thursday

Three court assessors urged High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha to convict Christopher Okello Onyum, the main suspect in the tragic killing of four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre. In their joint opinion, read by John Musana, they stated that the prosecution established all elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt. The other assessors were Maria Kyobijja and Rachael Ainomugisha.

The judge emphasized that assessors’ views do not bind the court, reserving her authority for the final decision. She adjourned the case to Thursday at 10 am for judgment, with Okello remanded in custody. Public gallery members cheered the announcement at the makeshift court in Ggaba Community Church.

Prosecutors Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza argued that key murder ingredients—death, unlawfulness, malice aforethought, and participation—were proven. Postmortems by Abdul Katongole confirmed the children—Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke—died from hypovolemic shock due to deep neck wounds severing vital structures.

Malice was inferred from the kitchen knife used, targeted neck area, and injury depth (9-14 cm). Okello’s presence was confirmed by arrest at the scene, DNA on the knife and his trousers, and witness accounts. He scared off a rescuer and discarded the weapon.

The state rejected Okello’s insanity defense, noting it must be proven at the crime’s moment. They highlighted his awareness post-arrest, history of aiding children, painkiller possession explained otherwise, and recent mobile money use as signs of sound mind.

Judgment day is Thursday, concluding this high-profile case. Source: Daily Monitor