By Swift Reporter
The High Court in Kampala has completed a detailed summary of submissions and evidence in the murder trial involving Christopher Okello Onum, who is facing four counts of murder arising from the deaths of children at Gaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Makindye Division.
Presiding Judge, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, on Monday evening read out a structured summary of the prosecution case, defence submissions, and witness testimony as presented before court. She emphasized that her remarks were a neutral reflection of what had been submitted by both sides and not a determination of guilt.
The judgment in the matter is expected on Thursday.
Okello is charged with four counts of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act. The prosecution alleges that on April 2, 2026, he unlawfully caused the deaths of four minors at Gaba Trading Zone.
He has denied all charges.
In her reading, Justice Komuhangi Khaukha outlined that the prosecution bears the burden of proving the case beyond reasonable doubt, while noting:
“The accused person is presumed innocent until he pleads guilty or is proved guilty.”
She further summarised that the prosecution must establish four key elements: the fact of death, unlawfulness, malice aforethought, and the accused’s participation.
Regarding proof of death, the judge noted that the prosecution relied on post-mortem examinations, parental confirmation, and eyewitness accounts from medical and police personnel, all indicating that the victims were deceased and had been buried.
On the issue of cause of death, she summarised medical evidence indicating that all four victims sustained deep neck injuries caused by a sharp object, leading to fatal blood loss.
The court also heard summarized testimony that a knife was identified as the weapon allegedly used and later recovered at the scene. Evidence was further led indicating that the accused’s DNA was found on the handle of the weapon, while traces linked to the victims were reportedly found on his clothing.
Justice Khaukha also noted that prosecution witnesses described the accused as being present at the scene at the time of the incident and being apprehended shortly thereafter by members of the public and security personnel.
In summarising the prosecution case, the judge noted submissions suggesting prior presence at the daycare facility a day before the incident, as well as digital evidence indicating internet searches related to childcare centres.
The court also summarised the defence case, noting that the accused, in an unsworn statement, claimed he was acting under extreme external pressure and fear caused by unknown individuals who allegedly threatened and monitored him.
It was further recorded that the accused described a period of distress in which he left his residence and experienced psychological pressure leading up to the incident.
Justice Khaukha noted: “The accused was not cross-examined as he gave an unsworn statement and therefore his account remains untested in cross-examination.”
The defence, as summarised, raised issues of insanity and diminished responsibility.
The judge outlined the legal framework as presented in submissions, including the presumption of sanity under the Penal Code, and the requirement that any claim of insanity or diminished responsibility must be proven by the defence.
She also summarised the legal test that a person is not criminally responsible if, at the time of the act, they were suffering from a mental condition that impaired their understanding of the nature or wrongfulness of their actions.
Justice Khaukha also noted that minor inconsistencies existed in prosecution testimony, but recorded the prosecution’s submission that such discrepancies were not material to the core of the case.
She further summarised that the court must evaluate all evidence holistically, including witness accounts, forensic material, and medical assessments presented during the trial.
Judgment Set for Thursday
Concluding the session, Justice Komuhangi Khaukha stated that all submissions and evidence will be considered before a final decision is delivered.
“The court reserves the right and power to make the final verdict,” she read.
The matter has been adjourned to Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for judgment, with the accused remaining on remand.
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