GGABA, Uganda: The High Court has adjourned the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, who is accused of killing four toddlers at an Early Childhood Development Centre, after he complained of illness while in court.
Proceedings were first halted for 30 minutes before resuming. However, shortly after the session restarted, the accused again told court he was unwell, prompting concern from the presiding judge, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
When asked to explain his condition, Okello said his illness was too complex to describe briefly. The judge then questioned a prison officer, Hiira Emmanuel, on whether the accused had left prison in a sick condition.
The officer said he could not confirm and referred the court to the officer in charge of Luzira Upper Prison.
Justice Khaukha subsequently adjourned the case to the next day and ordered prison authorities to assess Okello’s health and present a report in court.
Earlier in the day, the prosecution presented two witnesses. These included Annet Odong, a coordinator at the daycare centre, and Juma Hashimu, a driver.
Hashimu testified that he rented out his vehicle to the accused at the end of March 2026.
He said Okello paid 388,000 shillings via mobile money to use the car on April 1 and 2.
The vehicle was later taken to Okello’s residence in Kyanja. On April 2, Okello informed him the car had developed mechanical issues and directed him to a school in Bunga, where a mechanic later fixed minor faults.
Before his testimony, State Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya requested court to block journalists from photographing him over security concerns. The request was granted.
In her testimony, Odong told court she has worked at the centre for 15 years and helps identify vulnerable children.
P She said Okello was introduced to her by caretaker Phibi Namutebi and paid 190,000 shillings for daycare services.
Odong added that Okello claimed he was not the child’s parent but was helping a vulnerable mother. She said shortly after he left her office, she noticed him bending near the gate with the child and suspected he was assaulting her.
On rushing to the scene, she found the child had been fatally attacked. She raised an alarm, leading to his arrest.
The accused denies murdering the four children—Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenowroth Otim, Ignitious Seruyange, and Ryan Odeke—on April 4, 2026.
