By Zoomer Africa | Kampala Uganda

The High Court sitting in Ggaba has pushed the closely watched murder trial of Christopher Okello Onyum to Monday, April 20, 2026, after hearing fresh medical testimony on the accused’s physical and mental condition. 

The case, being heard through Uganda’s first Mobile High Court session in Ggaba, centers on the killing of four toddlers at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme on April 2, 2026. Christopher Okello Onyum is facing four counts of murder, with proceedings presided over by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.

During the latest hearing, court received evidence from Dr Emmanuel Nuwamanya, who testified that he examined the accused on April 7, 2026 following a request from Ggaba Police Station. The doctor told court that Okello had bruises on the forehead, eye, abdomen and back, injuries he said were caused by blunt force and were already healing at the time of examination.

On the question of mental state, Dr Nuwamanya said the accused was calm, cooperative and mentally stable, adding that his speech was coherent, memory intact and judgment appeared sound. The testimony came despite claims attributed to the accused about hallucinations, past mental illness, a suicide attempt in 2023, and beliefs tied to wealth acquisition through human sacrifice. The doctor clarified that those claims were not independently verified because no supporting medical records were presented.

The trial has drawn wide public attention since the killings shocked the Ggaba community and triggered demands for swift justice. Earlier hearings also heard emotional testimony from parents of the victims, with one session ending after a full day in court and the matter being pushed forward for more prosecution witnesses.

The Judiciary organized the special court sitting in Ggaba as part of a broader push to bring justice closer to affected communities in matters of significant public interest. The case is expected to resume on Monday, April 20, as prosecutors continue presenting evidence.

Image illustrating the crime scene generated by Zoomer Africa AI for illustration purposes only.

Edited and revised by Zoomer Uganda, Zoomer Africa your pan African Community Affairs stay connected it's free