news 30 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ggaba Residents Protest Exclusion from Okello Murder Trial Verdict
Residents in Ggaba demonstrated against being barred from the makeshift court delivering judgment in Christopher Okello Onyum's high-profile murder trial, citing lost invitation cards due to a recent storm. Court officials promised to address the issue amid tight security for the accused's arrival. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ggaba-residents-protest-denial-of-entry-to-okello-judgment-5441644
Tension rose in Ggaba on Thursday as locals protested their denial of entry to the temporary courtroom for the judgment in Christopher Okello Onyum’s murder case.
A community leader voiced the grievances inside the venue, explaining that many invitation cards were lost during a storm that damaged tents last week. Residents emphasized their long involvement in the trial and pleaded for access to hear the final ruling.
“We’ve followed this case from the beginning. Please let our colleagues join us for the verdict,” the representative urged.
Court registrar Samuel Twakire recognized the problem and said he would consult security to resolve it. Still, by mid-morning, the public seating area remained sparsely filled.
Earlier, Okello arrived under heavy escort around 9:45am, with sirens alerting crowds at Ggaba Trading Centre. Security limited local movement to ensure his safe transfer to a holding cell.
High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha is set to deliver the verdict shortly after reconvening at 10am. Okello faces four murder charges for the stabbing deaths of toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, which he denies, claiming mental instability.
The trial has captivated the public, drawing large audiences to prior sessions.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)