KAMPALA, Uganda — The trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, a 39-year-old dual US-Ugandan citizen, accused of killing four toddlers at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, was briefly halted on Wednesday after he suffered an emotional breakdown in court during testimony linking him to key evidence in the case.
The accused, who on Monday 13, April 2026 pleaded not guilty in Ggaba child murder case, appeared overwhelmed while Prosecution Witness Eight, Rashid Juma, a Director at Trip Car Rentals Uganda, gave detailed testimony connecting him to a vehicle allegedly used around the time of the killings on 2 April 2026.
The proceedings form part of a closely watched murder trial involving the deaths of four children:
Keisha Agenrwot Atim, Gideon Eteku, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Rhan Odeke.
Juma told the court that his interactions with the accused began on 12 March 2026, when Okello allegedly hired a vehicle using identification documents, including a US passport and driving permit.
He testified that the accused paid 388,000 shillings via mobile money for a two-day rental covering 1–2 April.
According to his account, Okello later shared a Google Maps location directing him to a residence in Kyanja, where the vehicle was delivered and handed over at around 8:00 pm on 31 March during heavy rain.
Juma further stated that the following day, Okello reported mechanical issues with the vehicle, prompting the dispatch of a mechanic to Mpunga, where the accused was reportedly located at the time.
The court also heard that Juma’s phone was later seized by police as part of ongoing investigations.
As the witness detailed the transactions and subsequent police action, Okello became visibly distressed.
His defence team quickly intervened, informing Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha that the accused was “not feeling well emotionally” and requested a break in proceedings.
When court resumed briefly, the atmosphere remained tense. Okello appeared disoriented and struggled to respond to questions from the judge. When asked to specify his condition, he was heard murmuring, “It’s a script,” before falling silent.
Despite being offered water and time to recover, he insisted he could not continue and requested to rest.
The session was subsequently suspended after concerns were raised over his emotional state.
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The unexpected episode drew attention in court, particularly as earlier assessments had indicated that Okello was fit to stand trial and had no mental health condition that would prevent proceedings.
Justice Khaukha ordered a formal report on his condition before the trial resumes on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
Okello is charged with the murder of four minors at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, a case that has drawn national attention and intense public scrutiny.
Earlier in the day, the court also heard testimony from Phibby Namutebi, a school caretaker, and Annet Odong, the school coordinator, who provided background accounts of events leading up to the tragedy.
