Okello Onyum sentenced to death over murder of four children in Kampala daycare attack

30 April 2026, 7:40 pm

By Francis Oyet Opwonya

Christopher Okello Onyum, a 39-year-old Ugandan-born American, has been sentenced to death after a High Court in Kampala found him guilty of murdering four toddlers in a shocking attack at a daycare centre in Ggaba earlier this year.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday at Ggaba Community Church, where the High Court had been conducting mobile sessions close to the crime scene in Makindye Division. The case has gripped public attention due to the nature of the killings and the age of the victims.

Deadly attack that shocked a community

Court heard that on April 2, Okello entered the Early Childhood Development Programme Centre during what had begun as a normal school day and attacked four children—Ryan Odeke, Keisha Atim Agenrwoth, Gideon Eteku, and Ignatius Sseruyange—who were all below the age of three.

The children suffered fatal stab wounds in what prosecutors described as a deliberate and violent assault inside a place that was meant to be safe and protective.

The daycare, which operates under Ggaba Community Church, was immediately closed following the incident, as investigations began.

State builds case around forensic and video evidence

Prosecutors told court that the case was supported by a combination of eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage, DNA analysis, and forensic reports from Mulago City Mortuary.

Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya argued that the attack was not spontaneous, but carefully planned, pointing to evidence that suggested premeditation and deliberate targeting of vulnerable victims.

The prosecution further told court that the brutality of the attack placed it among the most severe murder cases, urging the judge to impose the maximum penalty.

Defence raises mental health argument

Okello denied the charges and maintained that he did not act with intent to kill. His defence team argued that he was suffering from serious mental health challenges, including schizophrenia, which they said affected his ability to fully understand his actions at the time.

They also pointed to his medical history, including sickle cell disease, as part of their argument for diminished responsibility, asking the court to consider a lesser sentence or acquittal.

However, the court found that the evidence presented did not support the claim of insanity or mental incapacity at the time of the offence.

Judge rules on “rare and extreme” case

In her ruling, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha said the prosecution had proved all elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt, including unlawful killing and malice aforethought.

She said the nature of the attack, the weapon used, and the vulnerability of the victims all pointed to a deliberate and intentional act.

The judge further noted that the accused showed no remorse during proceedings and ruled that the case fell under the “rarest of the rare” category, where the death penalty was justified.

Okello was accordingly sentenced to death on all four counts of murder.

Courtroom reaction and next steps

The sentencing sparked emotional reactions in the courtroom, with members of the public reportedly applauding the decision as it was read.

Okello, who remained largely silent during sentencing, has the right to appeal both the conviction and sentence within 14 days.

Authorities have urged calm as the legal process continues.