Christopher Okello Onyum Pleads Not Guilty in Ggaba Toddler Trial

In a highly charged session held at the heart of the community, 38-year-old Christopher Okello Onyum has formally denied responsibility for the gruesome murder of four toddlers. Appearing before the first-ever Mobile High Court sitting on Monday, April 13, 2026, Okello pleaded not guilty to all four counts of murder leveled against him.

The proceedings took place on the grounds of Ggaba Community Church, marking a historic shift in Uganda’s judicial system by bringing a high-profile criminal trial directly to the scene of the crime.

Okello stands accused of the April 2 stabbing deaths of three boys and one girl at a local Early Childhood Development Centre—an incident that sent shockwaves across the nation. Appearing before High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, the suspect remained calm as the charges were read under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, Okello told the court he understood the counts but firmly denied involvement. With his “not guilty” plea, the case now shifts into a full trial phase, where the prosecution is expected to begin presenting evidence and witness testimonies in the coming days.

The decision to hold the trial in a public, mobile format drew massive crowds to the Ggaba Community Church grounds. Families of the victims, local residents, and onlookers gathered under heavy security surveillance. Ggaba Road saw restricted access and a significant deployment of police and military personnel to ensure the safety of court officials and the public.

While the mobile court initiative aims to provide swift, transparent justice and community closure, the format has not been without controversy. Some legal experts have voiced concerns regarding whether the public nature of the setting could impact judicial independence or the fairness of the trial.

Okello, who was apprehended at the daycare center shortly after the attack, has remained in custody since early April. His refusal to admit guilt sets the stage for a marathon trial that is expected to dominate national headlines this week.

For the residents of Ggaba, the trial represents more than just a legal proceeding; it is a search for answers regarding the safety of their children and a plea for systemic changes in school security. The court is scheduled to continue sitting daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the week.