Okello Closes Defence in Ggaba Daycare Toddler Murder Trial

Christopher Okello Onyum, the main suspect in the tragic killing of four young children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, has concluded his defence in the High Court trial.

On Monday, his legal team dropped plans to summon two more witnesses, as they could not be traced despite efforts by court officials. Defence counsel Richard Kumbuga informed Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha during the mobile court session that the witnesses were unavailable, leading to the closure of the defence case.

The judge then instructed the defence to prepare final arguments. Kumbuga sought three hours to examine the prosecution’s evidence, and the court rescheduled for 2:15pm to hear the submissions pushing for Okello’s acquittal.

Prosecutors Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza will follow with their closing remarks seeking conviction. Okello faces charges of stabbing the toddlers on April 2 in what authorities claim was a ritual for wealth. He denies the allegations.

Testifying last Friday, Okello stated he did not mean to kill the children, blaming intense stress and arguing the prosecution failed to establish murderous intent.

Judgment will follow the final submissions from both parties.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)