Ggaba Residents Erupt in Joy Over Okello's Death Sentence for Toddler Murders

Residents of Ggaba Trading Centre in Kampala turned grief into triumph on Friday as news spread of Christopher Okello Onyum’s death sentence for the horrific murders of four toddlers. The lakeside neighborhood, reeling since the April 2 attack at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, filled with chants, dances, and rhythmic banging of household items like pots and jerricans.

Children led the cries of ‘Okello afudde, Okello afudde’—meaning ‘Okello has died’—jumping with excitement as adults joined in songs and ululations. Groups shouted the victims’ names, including Keisha, Gideon Eteku, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke, blending remembrance with relief. Women called for flowers to honor Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, cheering her ruling from the mobile High Court at a local playground.

The 38-year-old Okello was convicted on four counts of murder after a swift, premeditated assault prosecutors described as cold-blooded. Justice Khaukha emphasized his maturity, noting he could have been a father figure but chose brutality instead. As her convoy departed under security, crowds waved and sang praises, demanding the sentence be carried out soon.

The courtroom saw raw emotion, with a victim’s parent collapsing during the judgment reading. Security was tight at the tent venue, though some locals faced entry issues due to damaged invitation cards from a prior storm. Okello has 14 days to appeal.

This verdict brought emotional closure to a shocked community, restoring faith in the justice system.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)