From Testimony to Verdict: Ggaba Killings Case Nears Dramatic Conclusion

The fate of murder suspect Christopher Okello Onyum now rests with the High Court, after proceedings in the closely watched Ggaba school children killings case were adjourned, with a ruling scheduled for Thursday.

Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha deferred the matter following the conclusion of final submissions, drawing a temporary curtain on two weeks of intense courtroom arguments that have gripped public attention. The decision leaves both the accused and the country অপেক্ষing a verdict that could determine not only guilt, but also the severity of any sentence.

On Tuesday, state prosecutors, led by Jonathan Muwaganya, formally closed their case and urged the court to convict Onyum on all four counts of murder. The prosecution maintained that the evidence presented throughout the trial establishes, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused was responsible for the deaths.

In contrast, the defence has consistently pushed back against that assertion. During his defence last week, Okello called on the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate intent—an essential element required to sustain a conviction on murder charges.

Taking the stand on Friday, the accused firmly denied responsibility for the killings, telling the court that his actions were not deliberate. He urged the judge to reject the prosecution’s request for a conviction on all counts, insisting that external factors influenced his conduct.

“I believe I am not guilty of the four charges. What happened was not intentional, and I did not set out to cause the death of the four children,” Okello said.

He further rejected claims that he made a confession with full awareness of its implications, distancing himself from the prosecution’s narrative.

“I did not murder the four children. Whatever happened was not intentional. There were factors that compelled me to act the way I did. I did not act willingly,” he told the court.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court heard detailed forensic evidence from ASP Harelimana Bernabas, a forensic biologist attached to the Directorate of Forensic Services. He presented findings from 40 exhibits recovered from the scene, including clothing allegedly worn by the suspect, a suspected murder weapon, and other items subjected to laboratory analysis.

According to his testimony, DNA analysis conducted on a knife recovered from the scene revealed the presence of a male DNA profile matching that of the accused.

“Okello Christopher Onyum is the source of the DNA obtained from several exhibits, including bloodstains found on different parts of the shirt, specifically the right arm, wrist area, shoulder and collar,” Harelimana testified.

He added that a black kitchen knife with a black and silver handle—recovered outside a school fence—also contained Okello’s DNA profile on its handle, strengthening the prosecution’s case linking the suspect to the crime scene.

Prosecutors allege that on April 2, 2026, at Ggaba Trading Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala, Onyum, with malice aforethought, caused the deaths of four children identified as Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Sseruyange Ignitius and Odeke Ryan.

Court was told that preliminary investigations indicate the suspect had earlier visited the facility seeking admission for his child and was advised to return later. He reportedly came back, paid the required fees, and shortly afterwards allegedly carried out the attack.

The victims, all aged between 18 months and two and a half years, were among the youngest possible in such a case—an element that has intensified public scrutiny and emotional reactions throughout the trial.

With submissions now concluded, attention turns to Thursday’s ruling, when the court is expected to determine whether the prosecution has met the legal threshold for conviction or whether the defence’s arguments will prevail. The judgment is likely to mark a critical moment in one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory.