Proceedings in the trial of Ggaba children murder suspect Christopher Okello Onyum resumed on Thursday after a medical evaluation cleared him to continue appearing in court.
The medical results are from an assessment, ordered by presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
The medical assessment conducted on Christopher Okello Onyum revealed that the accused is in a stable mental state and that he was in position and able to follow and participate in the court process.
On Wednesday, April 16, the trial at a public court being held at the Ggaba Community Church grounds was paused after Okello told court he was not emotionally fit to proceed.
Justice Komuhangi Khaukha subsequently instructed the Court Registrar to coordinate with officials at Luzira Upper Prison to secure a medical report on Christopher Okello Onyum’s health condition.
When the court reconvened at about 12:15 pm on Thursday, April 16, at the temporary courtroom in Ggaba, the matter was called and the accused presented.
Earlier delays had affected the day’s schedule after Okello did not arrive at the expected time of 9:00 am. He was eventually brought in by prison authorities at around 11:00 am.
The session was briefly interrupted by a heavy downpour that disrupted activities at the venue, before proceedings were able to continue. A strong wind disorganized the tent, as reported Here.
Before moving on with witness testimony, Justice Komuhangi Khaukha addressed the court on the findings of the medical report.
“Before we start the business of the day, yesterday, before we broke off, the accused said he was unwell, and we directed the registrar to liaise with the OC Luzira Upper Prison,” she said.
She noted that the report confirmed Okello’s diagnosis and highlighted gaps in his treatment prior to detention.
“The summary shows that he has sickle cell disease. The report also shows that he had not been taking his medication two months prior to his admission. It was also established that he was underweight, but greatly improved, and he is in a good state of mind,” Justice Komuhangi Khaukha stated.
The judge then asked Christopher Okello Onyum, the man accused of killing four children at a Ggaba daycare centre, to comment on the medical findings.
“Mr Okello, good afternoon. You heard what the doctor said,” she said.
Okello responded by assuring the judge and court of his condition.
“Yes, yes, I’m in a stable state of mind, my lord,” he told court.
Following confirmation from both the medical report and the accused, the court allowed the hearing into the Ggaba killings to proceed. The trial continues before the same public court sitting in Ggaba as directed by President Yoweri Museveni.
It should be remembered that there were earlier reports that the Ggaba daycare centre children suspected killer Christopher Okello Onyum was mentally sick. The state is also reportedly expected to resurrect a file from years ago where Okello Onyum is accused of killing his step mother’s child. (See Details Here and There).
