The High Court in Kampala has set April 30, 2026, as the date for delivering its judgment in the murder trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, following the conclusion of final submissions in a case that has drawn nationwide attention.
Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha adjourned proceedings at 7:36 pm on Monday after hearing closing arguments from both the prosecution and defence in the high-profile case.
The hearing, which stretched into the evening, marked the end of weeks of proceedings characterised by intense legal arguments, emotional moments, and procedural developments.
Court assessors recommended that Okello be convicted, citing video evidence that allegedly placed him near the crime scene a day before the April 2 killings, which they said indicated possible premeditation.
Okello is facing multiple counts of murder over the killing of four toddlers at Ggaba Nursery and Daycare Centre, an incident that deeply shocked the country.
The prosecution has maintained that the killings were deliberate and premeditated, presenting evidence it says directly links the accused to the crime.
However, the defence argued that Okello’s mental health condition is central to the case. Defence lawyer Richard Kumbuga told court that the accused has a documented history of mental illness dating back to 2016.
He further stated that Okello had previously attempted suicide and had received treatment at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, arguing that his mental state raises questions about his capacity to form criminal intent.
The defence also challenged prosecution claims that Okello had been declared mentally stable at International Hospital Kampala, arguing that mental illness can occur in episodes and fluctuate over time.
The defence had earlier closed its case after failing to present additional witnesses, proceeding instead to final submissions.
The case has attracted widespread public interest due to the nature of the allegations and the ages of the victims, making it one of the most closely followed criminal trials in recent years.
All eyes are now on the High Court’s ruling scheduled for April 30, which will determine the fate of the accused.
