By Swift Reporter
The suspect in the brutal killing of four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala, has pleaded not guilty to all charges during a special High Court session held close to the scene of the crime.
Christopher Okello Onyum, accused of the April 2, 2026 daytime murders at Ggaba Early Childhood Centre, appeared before High Court judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha on Monday, April 13. Calm and composed, Onyum denied all four counts of murder as they were read out in court.
The unusual public court session drew a large community presence, including grieving families of the victims, who sat quietly under tents as proceedings unfolded on a warm morning in the capital. The accused was brought under tight security and stood in a portable dock, dressed in a tracksuit jacket, black T-shirt, and jeans.
Following the plea, the court admitted its first set of prosecution evidence postmortem reports for the four victims, all conducted on April 2 by Dr Abdul Katongole at Mulago City Mortuary. Both the prosecution and defence teams agreed on the contents of the reports, meaning the pathologist would not be required to testify in person.
Chief State Attorney Anna Kiiza read the findings in court, detailing the cause of death for each child as hypovolemic shock resulting from severe neck injuries. The reports were formally entered into evidence as exhibits one through four.
During the session, the accused was later allowed to sit in front of the dock and was seen occasionally sipping bottled water as proceedings continued.
Justice Komuhangi also addressed the three court assessors, reminding them of their duty to remain impartial and base their opinions strictly on the evidence presented in court. The assessors John Musana, Maria Teopista, and Rachael Ainomugisha will play an advisory role in guiding the court on matters of fact as the trial progresses.
The killings, which shocked the Ggaba community and the nation at large, have drawn widespread attention due to their brutality and the young age of the victims. In the same court sitting today, five witnesses were heard and among these included parents of the murdered children.
Court will resume hearing the case as the prosecution presents further evidence on Wednesday.
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