Proceedings in the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the murder of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, were abruptly halted after the accused told court he was unwell.
“I am unable to proceed with the current session because I am not feeling well,” Onyum told the court, prompting presiding judge Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka to adjourn the session to Thursday at 9:00 am.
Earlier, the court ruled on two defence objections, admitting a receipt and a corresponding record book into evidence after finding them consistent. However, it rejected a mobile money transaction statement on grounds that it had not been presented by a competent witness.
The coordinator of Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre had testified that she personally printed the transaction statement. The court also barred the media from photographing the third prosecution witness.
The session followed chaotic scenes earlier in the day after a prison van transporting Onyum rammed into members of the media at Ggaba Community Church grounds in Makindye Division, where the court was sitting.
During the incident, journalist Ronald Mulwana was injured and rushed to hospital for treatment.
On Monday, Onyum pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder stemming from the killing of toddlers at the daycare facility on April 2, 2026.
He was earlier committed to the High Court for trial following the completion of investigations into the incident.
According to the prosecution, the case arises from a violent and premeditated attack at the daycare centre, where four children were killed while under the facility’s care.
Court records indicate that Onyum was found to be of sound mind and fit to stand trial after undergoing a psychiatric evaluation, despite earlier claims that he had a history of mental illness. A medical report presented in court confirmed his ability to plead and follow proceedings.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of two American passports, two mobile phones, two laptops, a United States driving permit, a medical sanity form, and a certificate of good conduct. Prosecutors are yet to clarify the relevance of these items to the case.
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.
Preliminary investigations suggest 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.
The victims were aged between 18 months and two and a half years.
