KAMPALA — Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the killing of four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre, has pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for a high-profile trial that has gripped the nation.
The 38-year-old is facing four counts of murder following the April 2 attack at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, where the children were fatally assaulted in a shocking incident that sparked national outrage.
Christopher Okello Onyum is appearing before High Court judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha for his public trial.
Last week, the suspect had already been committed to the High Court for trial after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, with prosecution outlining serious allegations against him.
The trial, being conducted under a newly introduced community-based mobile court system, has drawn significant public attention. Proceedings are being held at Ggaba Community Church grounds, near the scene of the crime, as part of efforts to bring justice closer to the affected community.
President Yoweri Museveni himself directed that a public trial for Okello Onyum be held in the community where the children were killed, as reported Here.
Onyum denied the charges when he appeared in court, pleading not guilty to charges of murdering four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre.
Court officials have indicated that if the accused had pleaded guilty, sentencing would have followed swiftly. However, with his denial, the case is now set to proceed to full trial, where prosecutors will be required to present evidence to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The case remains one of the most disturbing criminal incidents in recent years, with many Ugandans closely following proceedings and demanding justice for the young victims.
If convicted, Onyum faces severe penalties under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, including the possibility of life imprisonment or death.
Meanwhile, the state has since ruled out claims that Okello Onyum was mentally sick, and is equally pursuing a file linking him to a previous murder case. (See Details Here and There).
