news 30 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Okello: Uganda's Most Heavily Guarded Prisoner Amid Intense Public Fury
The ongoing trial of Okello, accused of stabbing four preschool children to death in Ggaba, has turned a quiet suburb into a fortress-like zone with over 100 security personnel from multiple agencies deployed daily. Police defend the massive security as necessary due to the case's emotional intensity and public outrage. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/okello-most-guarded-prisoner-of-our-time-5441582
The trial of Okello at Ggaba Community Church playground has drawn unprecedented security measures, transforming the lakeside area into one of Uganda’s most secured spots. Public onlookers have likened the deployment to that surrounding the President himself.
Armed officers from police, army, military police, and counter-terrorism units man checkpoints, line roads, and patrol the venue. Reporters counted at least 50 personnel in the lower court section alone, with a similar number securing the upper areas, schools, and trading center. Inside, 13 prison warders tightly surround the suspect.
Plainclothes operatives mingle with crowds, adding layers to the protection. Local residents describe the scene as resembling a military barracks, a reality they’ve endured for three weeks.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma justified the heavy presence, noting the case’s massive public interest and emotional impact. He avoided specifying exact numbers for operational reasons.
The security stems from the April 2 incident where Okello allegedly killed four children at a daycare using a kitchen knife. Furious locals nearly lynched him, requiring military intervention to save his life. Tensions persist, with shouts for mob justice echoing during hearings.
This setup marks Okello’s trial as one of Uganda’s most guarded, reflecting the state’s caution in a highly charged atmosphere.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)