The High Court in Kampala has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the murder of four toddlers at a Ggaba childcare centre, concluding a case that has drawn national outrage and grief.
Delivering the sentence, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha described the killings as exceptionally heinous and carefully planned, placing them in the category of the “rarest of the rare.” The victims—Eteku Gideon, Keisha Ageno Ruth, Sseruyange Ignatius, and Odeke Rayan—were all aged between one and two years.
The court heard that the murders occurred on April 2 and were carried out as part of a ritual intended to bring wealth. Justice Komuhangi said the convict preyed on vulnerable children who relied entirely on adults for protection, adding that his actions demonstrated extreme cruelty and intent.
In her ruling, the judge stressed that the absence of remorse from the convict was a key factor in determining the sentence. She said the punishment should serve both as justice for the victims and as a deterrent to others who may engage in similar acts.
Okello was sentenced to death on four counts of murder and informed of his right to appeal within 14 days.
Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwanganya had asked the court to impose the maximum penalty, arguing that anything less would fail to protect society. He referenced the case of Kato Kajubi as an example of crimes linked to ritual sacrifice.
According to Peter Lwanga Mayanja, the Ggaba community remains in deep shock, with residents saying such an incident had never occurred in the area before.
Parents of the victims supported the prosecution’s position, calling for the harshest punishment in response to the loss of their children.
The defence, led by lawyer Sarah Awilo, had urged the court to consider a more lenient sentence, noting that Okello was a first-time offender with a history of illness and a troubled family background. She argued that he could still be rehabilitated.
However, the court dismissed these arguments. Okello declined to make any statement during sentencing, offering no apology for his actions.
The courtroom erupted in applause following the ruling, reflecting widespread public support for the sentence.
Uganda last carried out executions in April 1999 at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, where 28 convicts were executed, although the death penalty remains part of the country’s legal system.
