Christopher Okello Receives Death Sentence for Ggaba Kindergarten Toddler Murders

Christopher Okello Onyum, a 38-year-old man, has been sentenced to death by the High Court in Kampala for murdering four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre on April 2, 2026. The victims were Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke, all aged between one and two-and-a-half years.

Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha described the killings as falling into the ‘rarest of the rare’ category due to their cruelty and calculation. She noted that Okello planned the attack, using a kitchen knife to slaughter defenseless children in broad daylight at a place meant for their safety. The judge highlighted his lack of remorse, as he offered no apology to the families despite their presence in court.

Prosecutors pushed for the maximum penalty, pointing to extreme brutality and possible ritual motives supported by psychiatric evidence. While Okello’s lawyer mentioned his troubled family background, the judge dismissed it as insufficient to excuse the crime. She emphasized the sentence as a deterrent against similar acts.

The trial, held in a mobile court at Ggaba Community Church playgrounds by Lake Victoria, lasted three weeks instead of one, involving 18 witnesses after Okello pleaded not guilty. Directed by President Museveni, the public setting drew massive crowds but faced chaos, including a prison van accident injuring a journalist and a storm destroying tents.

Daily prayers by a local pastor marked proceedings, and Okello’s occasional laughter raised mental health questions, though public outrage dominated. The community celebrated the verdict with songs and dances, viewing it as justice served.

Okello has 14 days to appeal the conviction and sentence.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)