The High Court in Kampala has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death after finding him guilty of murdering four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, bringing to a close one of Uganda’s most shocking criminal trials in recent years.
Delivering the judgment on April 30, 2026, Alice Komuhangi Khaukha said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okello was responsible for the killing of the four children during the attack at the daycare centre.
The judge, who presided over the 10-day hearing, described the case as one of the most disturbing and unprecedented crimes of its kind in the country.
Justice Komuhangi stated that after considering all aggravating factors presented before court, she found no reason to impose anything less than the maximum sentence provided by law.
She also informed the convict that he has a right to appeal both the conviction and sentence within 14 days from the date of the ruling.
The courtroom erupted into emotional reactions, applause, and celebrations from some members of the public and relatives after the sentence was read.
Court heard that Okello murdered Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke during an attack at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Daycare Centre on April 2, 2026.
