Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the brutal killing of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder.
Appearing before High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha at the Ggaba Community Church grounds today, the 39-year-old suspect denied responsibility for the April 2 attack that claimed the lives of Ryan Odeke, Keisha Otim, Gideon Eteko, and Ignatius Sserunyange.
In a moment that drew audible gasps and boos from the large, distraught crowd attending the public session, Okello denied the charges in an American accent. Following his plea, Judge Komuhangi sternly cautioned the public to maintain decorum and respect the formal proceedings.
After a brief consultation with his state-appointed defense lawyers, Okello denied all four murder counts. The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, immediately began presenting agreed-upon evidence, which includes four postmortem reports outlining the causes of death for the toddlers.
The suspect, who is reported to have returned to Uganda recently after spending 20 years in the United States, was arrested at the scene following the machete attack. The mobile court—a move intended to allow the public to witness the sensitive case—will continue to hear evidence to determine his fate.
In a separate, shocking development, authorities have revealed that they are investigating claims linking Okello to the strangulation of his 15-month-old stepbrother in 2018, allegations that emerged following the Ggaba tragedy.
The trial continues with heightened security and deep public interest in the case.