KAMPALA, April 13, 2026 — The prime suspect in the brutal killing of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, Okello Christopher Onyum, has pleaded not guilty to all charges as his public trial opened on Monday at Ggaba Community School Grounds.
Okello is facing four counts of murder, contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
The charges stem from the deaths of Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenoroth, Sseruynage Ignatius, and Odeke Rayan, who were allegedly killed on April 2, 2026, at the childcare facility located in Ggaba trading zone, Makindye Division.
Appearing before Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, Okello confirmed that he understood the charges but firmly denied responsibility.
“Yes, My Lord, I have understood the charges… I plead not guilty,” he told the court, prompting audible reactions from members of the public attending the hearing.
His plea sets the stage for a full trial, with the prosecution expected to present evidence aimed at proving his involvement, while the defence will seek to challenge the allegations in a weeklong hearing.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the case is built on what investigators describe as a premeditated attack. In a statement, prosecutors indicated they would present evidence suggesting that the accused carried out a series of calculated actions leading up to the killings.
“The prosecution’s case shall reveal a sequence of deliberate and calculated actions preceding the attack. Investigations indicate that the accused planned the offence over several days before launching a violent assault on the children,” the statement read.
The trial, scheduled to run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is being conducted in public following widespread outrage and in line with guidance from Yoweri Museveni.
The court session has drawn a large crowd, including grieving parents and relatives of the victims, alongside state witnesses and members of the public.
Security has been significantly heightened around the venue, with authorities seeking to prevent any unrest.
Tensions remain high in the community, where angry residents had earlier attempted to lynch the suspect in the immediate aftermath of the killings.
The case continues.
