Heavy Security Lockdown on Ggaba Road as Mobile High Court Prepares for Children Murder Trial

Security forces have mounted a heavy lockdown along Ggaba Road as final preparations intensify for the landmark Mobile High Court proceedings scheduled today, April 13, 2026.

Multiple checkpoints have been set up, with boda boda riders and other motorists without official authorisation being turned away. The measures aim to secure the area around Ggaba Community Church grounds, where the Judiciary will hold its first public Mobile High Court session to try Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of four toddlers at a local Early Childhood Development Centre earlier this month.

Police, military, and other joint security personnel are visibly deployed across the stretch, restricting movement in and around the venue. The heightened presence comes amid public outrage over the tragic incident and concerns about possible unrest during the high-profile hearing.

The mobile court initiative, reportedly supported at the highest levels, seeks to bring justice closer to the affected community and ensure swift proceedings. However, it has drawn criticism from the Uganda Law Society, which has described the public trial format as a potential threat to fair hearing standards and judicial independence.

Authorities have prioritised access for victims’ families, religious leaders, local officials, and accredited media, while live streaming is expected to allow broader public viewing.

As residents and parents still grieving the loss of the innocent children watch closely, the tight security underscores the sensitivity and national attention surrounding the case. Proceedings are expected to commence amid this fortified environment, with all eyes on how justice will be delivered in this unprecedented court setup.