The High Court has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum for killing four Ggaba school children.
Earlier Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha found Okello guilty of killing four children. In her judgement, she convicted him awaiting for sentencing.
On monday, prosecution, led by Jonathan Muwaganya, on Tuesday asked court to find Onyum guilty on all four counts of murder, arguing that the evidence presented proves beyond reasonable doubt that he was responsible for the deaths.
But in his defence, Onyum urged court to dismiss the charges, maintaining that the prosecution had failed to establish intent—an essential element in securing a murder conviction.
Taking the stand last week, the accused denied deliberately causing the deaths, insisting his actions were not premeditated.
“I believe I am not guilty of the four charges. What happened was not intentional, and I did not set out to cause the death of the four children,” Onyum told court.
He further rejected claims that he made a conscious confession, arguing instead that he acted under circumstances beyond his control.
“I did not murder the four children. Whatever happened was not intentional. There were factors that compelled me to act the way I did. I did not act willingly,” he said.
The case has largely hinged on forensic evidence presented by ASP Harelimana Bernabas, a forensic biologist attached to the Directorate of Forensic Services.
Harelimana testified that DNA analysis from 40 exhibits recovered at the crime scene—including clothing and a suspected murder weapon—linked the accused directly to the incident.
According to the forensic findings, a knife recovered outside the school fence contained a male DNA profile matching Onyum. Bloodstains on a shirt, particularly around the right arm, wrist, shoulder, and collar, were also traced back to him.
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—Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Sseruyange Ignitius, and Odeke Ryan.
Investigations indicate that the suspect had earlier visited the facility seeking admission for his child and was advised to return later. He reportedly came back, paid the required fees, and shortly afterwards carried out the fatal attack.
The victims, aged between 18 months and two and a half years, were among the youngest ever in such a case, adding to the gravity and public attention surrounding the trial.
With both prosecution and defence having made their final submissions, attention now shifts to the court’s verdict—one that is expected to bring either closure or further questions in a case that has shaken the country.
