Kampala, Uganda: Christopher Okello Onyum, the suspect in the brutal killing of four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre, has been arraigned before court and charged with multiple counts of murder, in a case that continues to shock the nation.
Onyum, 38, was presented on Tuesday before Grade One Magistrate Aidah Nanjala under heavy armed guard, arriving at exactly 4:07 pm as tight security struggled to contain crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the suspect.
Court heard that Onyum is charged with the murder of Gideon Eteku, 2; Keisha Agenrwot, 2; Ignatius Sseruyange, 3; and Ryan Odeke, 2.
However, he was not allowed to take plea, as the Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction to try capital offences such as murder.
Prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya and Ann Kiiza, told court that investigations into the April 2 killings are nearing completion.
“We pray for a short adjournment to allow us conclude the remaining investigations,” Muwaganya submitted.
Magistrate Nanjala remanded Onyum to Luzira Prison until April 8 at 2:00pm for mention of the case.
Tension at Court
Drama unfolded shortly after the court session when Onyum was being led out of the courtroom. Other suspects in custody began shouting, demanding that he be brought closer to them. “Bring him here, we also show him,” some of the suspects yelled, raising security concerns.
Officers quickly intervened, whisking Onyum under tight guard directly to a waiting prison bus to prevent any possible attack.
Earlier, the suspect had declined to record a charge and caution statement when presented before a magistrate.
How the Attack Happened
According to the charge sheet, Onyum faces four counts of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution states that he gained access to the daycare by posing as a parent seeking to enrol a child, reportedly paying Shs180,000 in fees before launching the attack.
Witnesses say he interacted briefly with staff before targeting children who were playing in the compound, fatally stabbing four toddlers in a shocking act that has triggered nationwide outrage.
While such extreme cases remain rare, the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report (2025) highlights continued concerns around violent crime, with 892 cases of attempted killing recorded in 2025, reflecting persistent threats to public safety.
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