crime 29 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Okello Denies Intent in Ggaba Daycare Murders, Claims Coercion in Court
Christopher Okello Onyup, accused of murdering four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare, told the High Court he did not intentionally kill the children and alleged police coercion in his statements. The judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for him to defend against the charges after prosecutors presented witness testimonies, digital data, and physical evidence linking him to the crime. Source: https://observer.ug/news/okello-tells-court-i-didnt-kill-the-four-children-intentionally
The trial of Christopher Okello Onyup for the murder of four young children at a daycare in Ggaba reached a pivotal moment last week in a crowded High Court session led by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
Prosecutors, headed by State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, called 18 witnesses to build their case. Key testimony came from Detective Assistant Superintendent Eserait James, who said Okello admitted to the killings post-arrest, claiming he targeted the centre for riches after scouting it and buying knives.
Physical evidence included six knives recovered from Okello’s home. Telecom data from Detective Inspector Aggrey Mpamiizo tracked a phone linked to him moving from Kyanja to Ggaba around the time of the attack, including an emergency call at 11:25 a.m.
Digital forensics by Assistant Superintendent Kenneth Henry Angulo revealed searches on Okello’s phone for kindergartens, preschools, police stations, and car rentals in the days before the incident. A car rental operator confirmed Okello’s account and large cash deposits.
Justice Khaukha determined the prosecution met the threshold, requiring Okello to defend on all four murder counts.
In his defense, Okello insisted he was not guilty, stating he did not intentionally cause the deaths. He claimed police statements were extracted under duress and denied motives like seeking wealth through rituals.
Okello described himself as hardworking with a promising future and recounted months of threats and stalking that left him homeless and possibly mentally strained.
The trial continues this week amid national outrage over the tragic deaths.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)