A psychiatrist has told court that murder suspect Christopher Okello Onyum showed no signs of mental illness at the time he was medically assessed, casting doubt on claims that the accused may have been suffering from a mental disorder.
Dr Rogers Agenda, a psychiatrist at C-Care International Hospital Kampala, informed court that Okello had previously visited the facility to obtain a mental fitness or sanity report. The report was part of requirements by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for individuals applying for Ugandan citizenship, a process that includes submission of a medical assessment confirming mental fitness.
According to Dr Agenda, he examined Okello on December 30, 2025, and found no evidence of any mental disorder. He stated that, at the time of the assessment, Okello was mentally sound and fit to live and work in Uganda.
The testimony comes amid ongoing efforts by the defence to raise questions about the accused’s mental state at the time of the alleged offence, an issue that could influence criminal responsibility if proven.
Background
Christopher Okello Onyum is facing trial over the alleged murder of his landlords, a case that has drawn significant public attention due to its circumstances and the nature of the proceedings. The hearings are being conducted at the Ggaba Community Church grounds, where a public trial was ordered to allow greater community access and transparency.
The case dates back to April 2, 2026, when Okello was arrested following the fatal incident that reportedly occurred at the residence he occupied. Since then, prosecution has been presenting witnesses to build its case, while the defence has sought to introduce elements relating to the accused’s mental health history.
Earlier submissions in court indicated that claims of mental illness were largely based on the accused’s own account, with limited or no supporting medical documentation presented to substantiate a history of psychiatric treatment.
The proceedings continue before the High Court as both sides seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the state of mind of the accused at the time.
It should be remembered that Christopher Okello Onyum Told a Police Surgeon Reason for Killing Four Children, Revealed Secrets on Killing Step-Brother, Plan to Kill Himself, as detailed Here.
Days after Christopher Okello Onyum made these shocking revelations to Nuwamanya, he pleaded not guilty to killing the Ggaba children, insisting he was not the one behind the crime that shook the nation, as reported Here.
On Friday, police surgeon spoke about Okello’s mental history and hallucinations, as reported Here.
Meanwhile, another medical report revealed that suspect Christopher Okello Onyum suffers from Sickle Cell Disease and that he had missed medication for sometime, as reported Here.
Christopher Okello Onyum’s landlords have also testified, with one telling court that the suspected killer loved children, as detailed Here.
The state has also reportedly picked interest in allegations that Christopher Okello Onyum killed his step mother’s child years ago, as reported Here.
