By Swift Reporter
As the long-awaited judgment in the case of Christopher Okello Onyum Okello was delivered this evening, attention remains focused on the key figures who shaped one of the country’s most closely followed criminal trials.
Christopher Okello Onyum – Convicted KillerÂ
Okello, the central figure in the case, has been sentenced to death following the court’s ruling.
Born on June 23, 1987, at Kitwe Central Hospital in Zambia, Okello is the third of four sons of Ms Olive Acacara and Mr Asuman Sebayiga Onyum. His father originates from Kwania District, while his mother hails from Kumi District.
He spent part of his early childhood in Zambia before relocating with his family to Kampala in 1997, where they lived in Kisugu and later settled in Bunga. Okello attended Jack and Jill Nursery School before joining Aga Khan Secondary School. His education was later disrupted by financial constraints and health challenges.
He subsequently studied at Ggaba Parents Secondary School. In 2003, Okello moved to the United States with his siblings, where he briefly pursued pharmacy studies before transitioning into tax-related work. He later returned to Uganda in 2016.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha – Presiding Judge
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, who presided over the trial, delivered the final judgment in the high-profile case.
She previously served for many years in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), rising to the position of Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in charge of inspections, quality assurance, research, and training.
She was appointed to the High Court Bench in August 2021. Justice Komuhangi holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a postgraduate diploma from the Law Development Centre (LDC), and a Master’s degree from Uganda Management Institute.
Jonathan Muwaganya – Lead Prosecutor
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya led the prosecution in the case.
With over 18 years of experience in criminal prosecutions, Muwaganya heads a specialised unit within the ODPP responsible for prosecuting investment-related crimes investigated by agencies including the State House Investment Unit, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and the State House Health Monitoring Unit.
He has and currently continues to handle several high-profile matters, including the Henry Katanga murder case and proceedings involving Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral.
Muwaganya holds a Master’s of Laws in Sustainable International Development Law from the University of Washington, an LLM from Makerere University, and a Master’s in Management Studies from Uganda Management Institute. He also holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Law Development Centre.
Anna Kiiza – Senior State Attorney
Chief State Attorney Anna Kiiza also played a key role in the prosecution team.
She specialises in complex criminal cases, particularly those involving vulnerable groups, and is attached to the ODPP’s Department of Gender, Children and Sexual Offences. In this role, she handles Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), child-related offences, and human trafficking cases.
Kiiza has contributed to the development of key prosecutorial tools, including the Prosecutor Plea Bargain Guidelines, as well as training manuals and handbooks on the investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence cases in Uganda.
Defence Team – Sarah Awero and Richard Kumbuga
Representing Okello were defence lawyers Sarah Awero and Richard Kumbuga, appointed under the State brief scheme.
Under Uganda’s legal framework, the State brief scheme ensures that every accused person facing a capital offence is provided legal representation, in line with constitutional guarantees of a fair trial where the maximum penalty may be death.
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