KAMPALA, Uganda — A High Court in Uganda has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death after finding him guilty of murdering four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, in a case that has gripped national attention.
The sentence follows his conviction earlier this week, where the court rejected his defence of insanity and claims of “spiritual possession”, ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Okello was convicted of killing Ryan Odeke, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Gideon Eteku, and Ignatius Sseruyange, all children under the age of two, on April 2, 2026, in what prosecutors described as a deliberate and premeditated attack.
Delivering the sentence, the trial judge said the evidence presented during the mobile court proceedings left no doubt about the accused’s responsibility for the killings. The court had earlier ruled that Okello was fully aware of his actions at the time of the offence.
Throughout the trial, Okello maintained that he was not mentally stable at the time of the killings. His defence team also cited alleged spiritual influence and past psychiatric admission records.
However, the court dismissed the argument, saying there was no credible medical or psychiatric evidence to support the claim.
Prosecutors argued that Okello’s financial dealings, digital activity, and planning contradicted any suggestion of mental incapacity.
Investigators told court that he was actively managing multiple bank accounts, conducting investment transactions, and carrying out online searches linked to violent content and childcare facilities in the days leading up to the incident.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, presented 18 witnesses during the trial, alongside forensic and digital evidence recovered from the accused.
Among the exhibits was a flash disk containing The Art of War by Sun Tzu, as well as digital traces allegedly linking him to the planning of the attack.
The court also heard testimony that Okello had previously confessed to the killings during early police interrogation, a claim the defence disputed.
The case was heard through a rare mobile court sitting near Ggaba, a judicial initiative introduced to bring proceedings closer to affected communities.
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The approach drew large public attention, with residents and families of the victims attending sessions throughout the trial.
Outside the court, emotional scenes followed the sentencing, with parents and community members expressing both grief and relief at the conclusion of the case.
Okello is expected to appeal the ruling, although his legal team has not yet confirmed the grounds of appeal.
The case has reignited national debate on child safety, mental health defences in serious crimes, and the use of mobile courts in high-profile criminal trials.
Authorities have reiterated that justice processes must now continue through the appellate system.
