Christopher Okello Onyum has denied deliberately killing four toddlers in Ggaba, telling court that his alleged confession was extracted under pressure and does not reflect what truly happened.
Okello, the prime suspect in the Ggaba killings, started his defence on Friday.
The case stems from the April 2, 2026 attack at a daycare centre in Ggaba, a suburb of Kampala, where four young children were killed in a shocking incident that drew nationwide outrage. According to investigators, the suspect had earlier visited the facility under the pretext of making inquiries before returning on the day of the attack.
Prosecution witnesses later told court that Okello was arrested shortly after the incident by security personnel and members of the public, some of whom attempted to assault him before police intervened. He was subsequently taken into custody as detectives began piecing together the events surrounding the killings.
In the days that followed, the court heard testimony from multiple witnesses, including police officers who claimed the accused had confessed to the crime and even apologised. The prosecution also presented physical exhibits, including knives allegedly recovered from his residence, as part of efforts to demonstrate planning and intent. The court later ruled that he had a case to answer, paving the way for his defence.
Appearing before the High Court during his defence at the Ggaba Community Church grounds, Okello maintained that although the children died, he should not be held criminally liable for intentional murder.
“I am not guilty of the offences because I did not intentionally cause the death of the four children,” said Okello.
“I can explain how the children died, but I did not do it intentionally, and the charges should not stand.”
He also punched holes in earlier statements presented by the prosecution in which he reportedly admitted to the killings, arguing they were made involuntarily.
“Those statements were made under pressure,” he submitted.
“I was not allowed to question what was happening and I had no choice but to say what pleased them.”
He further argued that the prosecution had not demonstrated intent, insisting the evidence on record does not prove premeditation.
“[State prosecutors] did not make a strong case to show that I acted deliberately,” he said.
“Taking all the evidence together, it does not support the claim that I intentionally killed the four children.”
Okello also dismissed claims that the killings were linked to ritual motives or a quest for wealth.
“The claim that I killed for riches is not true,” he told court.
“I said those things because I was coerced.”
Addressing other prosecution evidence, including digital material and online activity, the accused insisted his actions were influenced by external forces.
“There were factors that were forcing me. I did not do those things willingly,” he said.
In an attempt to portray his character, Okello described himself as a responsible and industrious individual with future prospects, saying it was unlikely he could commit such crimes.
“I am a person of generally good moral character, hardworking, focused and resourceful,” he said.
“I had a bright future, people to look after and a business in the making. I could not do such a thing.”
He also told court that he had been going through a period of fear and psychological distress in the months leading up to the incident.
“In mid-January to late March, I entered a distressing period. Certain people began threatening me, demanding money and following me,” he said.
According to his defence, the alleged threats forced him into hiding.
“They would park and watch me. I was always on the run or hiding somewhere because I feared for my life,” he explained.
“I stayed away from my house and lived on the streets because I did not feel safe.”
Okello suggested that the circumstances may have affected his mental state.
“It is possible there were mental challenges that went undetected and contributed to what happened,” he said.
His defence comes after the court ruled that he had a case to answer following testimony from multiple prosecution witnesses. The trial continues before Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
It should be remembered that the state prosecution presented CCTV evidence, phone records and online search history showing he targeted six other schools to pin Christopher Okello Onyum over the Ggaba daycare killings. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
