crime 14 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Ggaba Caretaker Details Desperate Fight to Save Toddlers from Knife-Wielding Attacker in Court
Phibby Namutebi, caretaker at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, testified in the mobile High Court about her frantic efforts to protect children during the April 2 attack by Christopher Onyum Okello, who is charged with murdering four toddlers. Her emotional account, following parents' testimonies, closed the first day of the trial amid public outcry. Source: https://observer.ug/news/caretaker-recounts-harrowing-ggaba-toddler-attack
Phibby Namutebi, a caretaker at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, gave a chilling account in the mobile High Court of the violent attack that claimed four toddlers’ lives. The incident occurred on April 2, 2026, with suspect Christopher Onyum Okello on trial for the murders.
Namutebi recounted how Okello first visited the centre on April 1, inquiring about daycare for a three-year-old. Despite her suggestion that the child was ready for nursery, he persisted, claiming more socialization time was needed.
The next day, he returned with a bag thought to be the child’s school items. Posing as a benefactor, he paid Shs 195,000 via mobile money for a child named Zuriel Onyum and received a receipt, with classes set to start post-Easter.
Violence erupted suddenly as Okello attacked children in the compound. Namutebi spotted young Keisha Agenrwot Atim bleeding at the gate and rushed to help.
In panic, she hurled a child’s bicycle at him but fell. Rising, she saw him slash another child and threw a second bicycle to intervene as he targeted more victims.
The attacker chased her, knife in hand; she fell three times but escaped harm as he returned to the children. She last witnessed Ryan Odeke being assaulted before Silas Odeke, a nearby worker, and others, including a security guard, subdued him.
Okello tossed one knife over the fence, but two more were found in his socks after he was secured from an angry mob.
Earlier, parents shared heartbreaking stories. Lawrence Mbazira remembered his son Ignatius Sseruyange’s final ‘Goodbye, Dad.’ Simon Okurut found his son Ryan on the veranda after rushing from traffic. Stella Apolot collapsed calling for Gideon Eteku.
Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha comforted the families. Despite a prosecution adjournment request, public protests ensured Namutebi testified. Forensic reports confirming fatal neck wounds were admitted.
The trial resumes April 15, 2026, for cross-examination, with strong public attendance despite rain.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)