By Our Staff Reporter

The High Court in Kampala has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the murder of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, bringing to a close one of Uganda’s most shocking child murder cases in recent years.

Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha ruled that the crime fell under the “rarest of the rare” category, saying the killings were cruel, deliberate, and targeted innocent children in a place where they were meant to be safe. The judge noted that while sentencing guidelines usually begin at 35 years for murder, the seriousness of this case justified the maximum penalty.

Court heard that Okello attacked four defenseless children in broad daylight and showed no remorse during the proceedings. Justice Khaukha said she expected an apology to the grieving families, but none was offered. Instead, the convict remained silent while his lawyer asked the court to consider his troubled upbringing.

The prosecution argued that the murders were carefully planned and possibly linked to ritual motives, pointing to evidence and expert testimony presented during the trial. The judge said the sentence should also act as a warning to anyone considering similar acts of violence.

Okello was sentenced separately on four counts of murder for the deaths of Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Ryan Odeke. He has 14 days to appeal both the conviction and sentence.

Outside court, residents of Ggaba celebrated the verdict, saying justice had finally been delivered for the slain children. The case had attracted nationwide attention and renewed calls for stronger protection of children in schools and daycare centres.