KAMPALA — The High Court has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death after convicting him on four counts of murder linked to the brutal killing of children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Daycare Centre, in a case that stunned the nation.
The judgment follows a full trial in which the prosecution presented a combination of forensic, circumstantial, and testimonial evidence placing the accused at the centre of the crime.
In its ruling, the court held that the prosecution had proved all elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt, including the fact of death, the unlawful acts that caused it, and the presence of malice aforethought.
The judge noted that the deaths were not accidental, but the result of deliberate actions, supported by medical and forensic findings.
Medical reports presented in court showed that the victims sustained severe injuries to vital parts of their bodies. The nature and extent of these injuries were relied upon to establish intent, with the court concluding that they pointed to a clear objective to cause death or grievous harm.
Witness testimony also placed Okello at the daycare centre around the time of the incident, while investigators linked him directly to the crime scene through additional evidence.
The prosecution further relied on statements attributed to the accused during investigations, in which he reportedly admitted involvement. The court considered these alongside other evidence and found them consistent with the prosecution’s case.
In delivering the sentence, the judge emphasised the gravity of the offence and the vulnerability of the victims, ruling that the case warranted the maximum penalty under the law.
The case has sparked strong public reaction, with renewed calls for stricter safety measures in childcare centres and enhanced protections for children.
Authorities say the ruling underscores the justice system’s position on crimes involving vulnerable victims, particularly minors.