KAMPALA, Uganda — The man accused of killing four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba has told the court that he acted under distress and did not intend to commit the crime, as his defence opened in one of Uganda’s most shocking recent child murder cases.
Christopher Okello Onyum, appearing before the High Court during a public trial in Kampala, denied having the intent to kill the children despite acknowledging their deaths.
“I am not guilty of the offences because I did not intentionally cause the death of the four children,” Okello told court, adding that he could explain the circumstances but “did not do it intentionally.”
Defence cites distress, coercion
In an unsworn statement, Okello said he was experiencing severe psychological distress in the months leading up to the April 2 incident and argued that this affected his actions.
He also challenged earlier statements attributed to him by investigators, claiming they were obtained under pressure.
“My Lord, those statements were made under pressure… I had no choice but to say what pleased them,” he said.
Seeking to portray himself as unlikely to commit such crimes, Okello added: “I am a person of generally good moral character, hardworking, focused and resourceful… I could not do such a thing.”
Background to the case
Okello is facing four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of toddlers—identified as Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignitius Sseruyange and Ryan Odeke—at a daycare facility in Ggaba, a suburb of Kampala.
The attack, which occurred on April 2, 2026, sent shockwaves across the country after a man reportedly gained access to the centre posing as a parent before carrying out the killings.
The High Court earlier ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence—including testimony from 18 witnesses—to require Okello to defend himself.
Prosecution case
During earlier hearings, prosecutors presented forensic and circumstantial evidence linking Okello to the crime.
The court heard that DNA recovered from a knife allegedly used in the attack matched the accused, while the victims’ DNA was found on items linked to him.
Investigators also testified that Okello had confessed shortly after his arrest, though he now disputes the validity of those statements.
Additionally, telecom data presented in court placed him near the crime scene at the time of the killings.
National outrage and ongoing trial
The killings prompted widespread public outrage and renewed concerns over safety in early childhood education centres. Authorities subsequently closed the affected daycare facility as investigations began.
The case, being heard as part of a high-profile public trial, continues to draw significant attention as both prosecution and defence present their arguments.
With defence proceedings now underway, the court will determine whether Okello’s claims of distress and lack of intent are sufficient to counter the prosecution’s case of premeditated murder.
