Written By | BK Mugizi
Suspect Okello Christopher
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KAMPALA
The Government has announced that the trial of a suspect accused of killing four children at a daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala, will be conducted in a public court, in response to widespread public demand for transparency and accountability.
The suspect, identified as Okello Christopher Onyum, 39, was arrested on April 2, 2026, following a deadly attack at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme in Makindye Division.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 11:00am after a distress call reported an individual allegedly attacking children at the facility. Responding officers apprehended the suspect at the scene.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that four minors, all pupils at the daycare centre, were killed in the attack. The victims have been identified as Eteku Gideon (2), Kaise Alungat (2), Ignatius Sserwange (3), and Ryan Odeke (2).
Public trial at crime scene
The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, posted on his X account that the proceedings will be conducted in an open court at Ggaba Community School grounds, near the scene of the crime.
The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13, and will run for one week, with daily sessions from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
“This arrangement is in line with public demand and the guidance of His Excellency the President to ensure that justice is not only done, but is seen to be done,” Barugahara said.
Govt commends security, Judiciary
Barugahara commended the Joint Security Forces, including CID, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT), Crime Intelligence, and other agencies, for their swift investigations.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Joint Security Forces for their speedy, thorough, and comprehensive investigations into the tragic murder of the nation’s children in Ggaba,” he said.
He also applauded the Judiciary for granting an expedited hearing of the case.
“We also express our gratitude to the Lord Chief Justice and the entire Judiciary for allowing an expedited trial in this heartbreaking case,” he added.
Public access, live broadcast
Members of the public have been invited to attend the proceedings, although seating inside the courtroom will be limited to 1,000 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Once proceedings begin, no further entry will be permitted,” Barugahara said.
To ensure wider access, authorities will install screens and speakers at the venue for live viewing, while proceedings will also be broadcast on major television stations.
For security reasons, attendees have been advised not to carry bags or unnecessary items.
Support to bereaved families
The Government has extended financial support to the affected families, with each receiving Shs 10 million to help them cope with the loss.
Call for public participation
Barugahara urged parents and members of the public to attend the trial and support the justice process.
“Parents and members of the general public are encouraged to participate as we collectively uphold and support justice for all in Uganda,” he said.
The Ggaba daycare killings sparked nationwide outrage, with many Ugandans calling for swift justice and stronger measures to protect children.
Torch Media Africa
