The High Court has ruled that Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the Ggaba children killings, has a case to answer.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka, who noted that the prosecution had closed its case after presenting evidence against the accused.
“The prosecution produced 17 witnesses in support of their case, and upon the close of their case, I have evaluated the evidence adduced against you. I have found that you have a case to answer, requiring you to present your defence on each of the four counts,” the judge said.
She further explained the options available to the accused in his defence. “You can keep quiet, give your evidence without swearing an oath, or choose to swear and give evidence. In each of the options, you may also call witnesses to testify in your favour.”
Justice Khauka added that if Okello opts to give unsworn testimony, he will remain in the dock and present his account without interruption. If he chooses to take an oath, he will move from the dock, and his testimony will be subject to cross-examination by prosecution lawyers.
According to State witness ASP Harelimana Bernabas, a forensic biologist attached to the Directorate of Forensic Services, the prosecution presented findings from 40 exhibits recovered from the crime scene. These included clothing allegedly worn by the suspect, the suspected murder weapon, and other items subjected to forensic analysis.
Harelimana told court that DNA analysis conducted on a knife recovered from the scene revealed a male DNA profile that matched Okello. He further testified that the black kitchen knife, with a black and silver handle, was recovered outside a school fence and was found to contain the suspect’s DNA on its handle.
Prosecutors allege that on April 2, 2026, at Ggaba Trading Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala, Onyum, with malice aforethought, caused the deaths of four children identified as Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Sseruyange Ignitius, and Odeke Ryan. The victims were aged between 18 months and two and a half years.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect had earlier visited the facility seeking admission for his child and was advised to return later. He reportedly returned, paid the required fees, and shortly afterwards allegedly carried out the attack.
Dr. Charles Kajoba of Murchison Bay Upper Prison told court that the accused has a known history of sickle cell disease but is currently in a stable mental condition and fit to stand trial.
Court also heard testimony from Joel Makayi, the estate manager who rented out an apartment to the accused in Kyanja, Katumba Village. He described the circumstances under which he came into contact with him.
Makayi told court that Okello initially claimed he had been living in the United States before later saying he was residing in Ggaba. He added that the suspect was introduced through local channels, though he could not recall the name of the chairperson involved in the introduction.
