Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the killing of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, has pleaded not guilty to all charges as his trial commenced in a public court setting.
The suspect appeared before court at the Ggaba Community Church grounds, where proceedings are ongoing. He faces four counts of murder in connection with the April 2, 2026 incident that left four young children dead.
Onyum had earlier been committed to the High Court for trial following the conclusion of investigations. Prosecutors allege that he unlawfully caused the deaths of the children in what is believed to have been a premeditated attack carried out at Ggaba Trading Centre in Makindye Division.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the case against the accused will demonstrate a sequence of deliberate actions leading up to the killings, suggesting that the attack was planned over several days.
Court proceedings revealed that Onyum was found to be of sound mind and fit to stand trial following a psychiatric evaluation. The medical report confirmed that he is capable of understanding the charges and participating in his defence, despite earlier concerns about possible mental illness.
At the time of his arrest, authorities recovered several items from the suspect, including two American passports, mobile phones, laptops, a United States driving permit, a medical sanity form, and a certificate of good conduct. The prosecution is expected to present these as part of its evidence, although their direct relevance to the case has not yet been clarified.
Investigations indicate that the suspect had initially visited the daycare centre posing as a parent seeking admission for his child. He was reportedly advised to return at a later date.
On the day of the attack, he returned, paid the admission fees, and shortly thereafter allegedly entered a classroom where he carried out the fatal assault on the children.
The victims of the attack have been identified as:
Ryan Odeke (18 months)
Gideon Eteko (2½ years)
Keisha Elungat (2 years)
Ignatius Sseruyange (2 years)
The case has drawn nationwide attention due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victims. The decision to hold proceedings in a public setting reflects efforts to ensure transparency and allow the affected community to witness the judicial process.
The trial is expected to continue as the prosecution presents its evidence in what remains one of the most closely followed criminal cases in recent times.
