COURT: The High Court sitting at Ggaba Community Ground has ruled that Christopher Okello Onyum has a case to answer in connection with the alleged murder of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre on April 2, 2026.
The decision followed the closure of the prosecution’s case, led by Chief State Attorney Johnathan Muwaganya, after presenting a total of 18 witnesses.
These included parents of the deceased children, police officers involved in the investigations, and staff members from the Early Childhood Development Centre, all of whom testified on various aspects surrounding the incident.
In delivering the ruling, the presiding judge explained to Okello the three legal options available to him at this stage.
These include giving sworn evidence and being subjected to cross-examination, making an unsworn statement without being cross-examined, or opting to remain silent.
Okello initially indicated that he would give sworn evidence, later shifted to an unsworn statement, but eventually settled on giving unsworn testimony, meaning he will be cross-examined by the prosecution.
He also informed court that he has lined up four witnesses to testify on his behalf.
Their particulars were submitted after the court allowed him access to his confiscated mobile phones, which were powered on in court to enable him retrieve the necessary details.
Earlier, Okello had requested that his defence be delayed until Monday, saying he needed more time to consult his two court-appointed lawyers regarding the testimony of all 18 prosecution witnesses.
However, the court ruled that he had already interacted with his lawyers and discussed the evidence presented.
The judge further observed that Okello has been consistently present in court and has been keenly following proceedings and witness testimonies throughout the trial.
Court concluded that the accused had been given ample time to prepare his defence and directed that he begin presenting it this afternoon, marking the start of the defence hearing.
