High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha convicts and sentences Okello to death by hanging on all four counts of murder
Kampala – April 30, 2026
In a landmark ruling that brings some closure to one of Uganda’s most horrific child murder cases, the High Court has convicted Christopher Onyum Okello of murdering four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre and sentenced him to death by hanging.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha today delivered both the judgment and sentence, declaring that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge firmly rejected the defence’s claim of mental illness, stating that Okello was “very sane” when he committed the gruesome act.
“I have found that the accused was very sane in gruesomely slaughtering four innocent children,” Justice Komuhangi ruled.
Details of the Sentence
Okello, 38, was found guilty on all four counts of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act. He has been sentenced to death on each count.
The victims were innocent toddlers killed on April 2, 2026, at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Makindye Division. The brutal killings sparked nationwide outrage and raised serious questions about the safety of children in daycare centres.
Key Points from the Ruling
- The court relied on testimony from 17 witnesses, forensic evidence, and other material that placed Okello at the scene.
- Justice Komuhangi dismissed the insanity defence, noting that Okello did not suffer from any disease of the mind at the time of the offence.
- Court assessors had earlier advised the judge to convict the accused on all counts.
- Okello has the right to appeal both the conviction and the death sentence within 14 days.
Public Reaction
The sentencing has been met with relief from the families of the victims and many Ugandans who have followed the case closely. The use of a rare mobile High Court session at Ggaba Community Church allowed greater public participation in the proceedings.
Trending Ug will continue to monitor any appeal developments or further reactions from the victims’ families.
