Kampala, Uganda: Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the killing of four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre, was mentally sound and allegedly carried out the attack in pursuit of wealth through human sacrifice, according to evidence presented by prosecutors.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, medical and psychiatric assessments found the 38-year-old to be of sound mental state, capable of understanding his actions.
“His thought process was found to be normal, but he believed in wealth by human sacrifice and was able to explain the reason for killing the children as fortune hunting or enrichment,” the DPP stated.
Court heard that although Okello claimed a history of mental illness, a police medical examination conducted on April 7 found him calm, cooperative, and of normal behaviour, with coherent speech and intact memory.
A prior psychiatric report from C-Care IHK, dated December 30, 2025, had also certified him mentally fit to live and work in Uganda.
Premeditated Attack
Prosecutors described the attack as carefully planned. Investigations indicate that on March 31, the suspect rented a vehicle and on April 1 visited the daycare under the guise of seeking admission, where he reportedly surveyed the premises.
On the day of the attack, he paid Shs195,000 via mobile money before launching a violent assault on children playing in the compound. “The accused exited the office and immediately initiated a violent assault,” the prosecution stated.
He allegedly used a knife to attack the toddlers and threatened a caretaker who attempted to intervene.
Postmortem reports revealed that all four children died from hypovolemic shock caused by deep neck wounds, with injuries cutting through major blood vessels and vital organs.
Investigators recovered key evidence, including bloodstained knives, clothing, mobile phones, digital records and transaction proof of payment before the attack.
Police also recovered multiple personal items from his residence, including foreign travel documents and electronic devices.
Trial to Be Held in Ggaba
The case has drawn national attention, with the Judiciary confirming plans to conduct the trial within the Ggaba community under the mobile courts system.
According to Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, the directive, reportedly from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to allow the public to witness justice being delivered at the scene of the crime.
The suspect was remanded to Luzira Prison on Wednesday pending trial and retains the right to apply for bail before the High Court.
If convicted, Onyum faces the maximum penalty of death by hanging.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of attempted killing (other than shooting) stood at 892, reflecting persistent violent crime trends.
Additionally, abduction/kidnap cases were recorded at 206, painting a clear picture of ongoing threats to vulnerable populations, particularly children.
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