By Swift Reporter
Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the killing of four toddlers in Ggaba, has denied deliberately committing the crime, telling the High Court that statements attributed to him were made under pressure and do not reflect what truly happened.
Okello began presenting his defence on Friday during proceedings held at the Ggaba Community Church grounds, where the trial has been taking place. The case arises from a tragic April 2 incident at a daycare centre in the Kampala suburb of Ggaba, which left four young children dead and sparked widespread public outrage.
Addressing court, 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,” he said. “I can explain how the children died, but I did not do it intentionally, and the charges should not stand.”
He challenged earlier prosecution evidence suggesting he confessed to the killings, insisting those statements were extracted involuntarily.
“Those statements were made under pressure,” Okello told the court. “I was not allowed to question what was happening and I had no choice but to say what pleased them.”
The prosecution has previously relied on testimony from police officers who claimed the accused confessed and apologised, as well as physical exhibits including knives allegedly recovered from his residence. These were presented to support claims of planning and intent. The court earlier ruled that the prosecution had established a case to answer, prompting the defence phase.
Okello, however, argued that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate 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.”
He also dismissed allegations linking the killings to ritual motives or a quest for wealth.
“The claim that I killed for riches is not true,” he said. “I said those things because I was coerced.”
Responding to other evidence, including digital material, Okello claimed his actions were influenced by external pressures.
“There were factors that were forcing me. I did not do those things willingly,” he said.
In an effort to present his character, Okello described himself as a hardworking and responsible individual with future prospects.
“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 further told court that he had experienced fear and psychological distress in the months leading up to the incident, alleging that unidentified individuals had threatened him and demanded money.
“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 testimony, the 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 these circumstances may have affected his mental state.
“It is possible there were mental challenges that went undetected and contributed to what happened,” he said.
The prosecution has previously told court that Okello visited the daycare centre prior to the attack under the pretext of making inquiries, before returning on the day of the killings. Witnesses also testified that he was arrested shortly after the incident by security personnel and members of the public, some of whom attempted to assault him before police intervened.
The trial continues before Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, with further defence submissions expected in the coming sessions.
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