Court proceedings in the ongoing Ggaba daycare murder case have heard testimony from two landlords who previously rented property to the accused, Christopher Okello Onyum, shedding light on his character and rental history.
Joel Makai, a landlord in Kyanja, told the mobile High Court presided over by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha and sitting at Ggaba Community Church grounds, that he first came into contact with Okello in March this year.
According to his testimony, Okello was introduced to him by a house broker before formalizing a tenancy agreement.
Makai explained that the accused paid four months’ rent upfront, with each month costing sh400,000.
He further revealed that Okello paid a total of sh1.6 million, of which sh1.5 million was deposited in the bank as instructed, while an additional sh100,000 was paid in cash as a broker’s fee.
In a separate testimony, Paul Mukasa, Okello’s former landlord in Bunga, Kampala, described his ex-tenant as “a simple man” who was fond of children.
Mukasa told the court that Okello had been renting a house at sh170,000 per month but only managed to pay for three months, one week before vacating the premises.
The case stems from the gruesome killing of four toddlers at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Kampala on April 2, an incident that shocked the nation and drew widespread public outrage.
The children—aged between one and three years—were allegedly stabbed to death inside the daycare facility in a brutal daytime attack that left the community reeling.
Court has also heard that the suspect had earlier visited the daycare posing as a parent seeking admission for a child before returning on the day of the attack.
Witnesses, including caretakers, have testified about the terrifying moments as the incident unfolded, with one describing attempts to shield the children during the assault.
The trial, which is being conducted as a public “community court” session at Ggaba, has attracted hundreds of residents eager to witness proceedings firsthand.
The unusual setup was intended to allow the affected community to follow the pursuit of justice, although it has also sparked legal debate over fairness and judicial independence.
Okello has since pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder before the High Court.
The prosecution continues to present witnesses as it builds its case against him.
The hearing continues as more witnesses are expected to take the stand.
Meanwhile, the Ggaba daycare centre children suspected killer Christopher Okello Onyum’s medical report has been released. (Read details about Okello’s medical report Here).
Earlier, a strong wind disorganized the tent hosting the mobile court after Christopher Okello Onyum arrived, as reported Here.
Meanwhile, Christopher Okello Onyum could land into more trouble over allegations that he killed his step brother a few years ago. (See Details Here).
