By Deborah Namamonde & Steven Mutyaba
The trial of Christopher Okello Onyum heard fresh testimony on Wednesday detailing how the accused moved through the Gaba Early Childhood Development Centre and interacted with staff shortly before four children were killed.
The High Court Criminal Division, sitting in Gaba, continued taking evidence from prosecution witnesses, building a timeline from the suspect’s arrival at the school to the moments chaos broke out in the compound.
Proceedings were briefly disrupted earlier when a prison vehicle delivering the accused knocked journalists gathered at the venue, injuring one reporter who was taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Court later resumed.
School admission and payment
Court heard that Okello went to the centre on April 2 seeking to enroll a child he said was about to turn three.
The school coordinator, Annet Odongo, told court she handled the request, assessed the child’s age and advised on placement. She said the accused asked for a short-term arrangement to help the child improve speech and social skills.
She accepted the request and processed the admission after receiving UGX 190,000 covering registration, fees and uniform. The money was sent through mobile money after the accused said he did not have cash on him.
Odongo said Okello described himself as a sponsor and indicated the child’s mother would later bring full details.
At the time, she said, 44 children were present at the facility.
A caretaker, Namutebi Fibe, confirmed introducing Okello to the coordinator and said the child was admitted.
Alarm raised in the compound
Odongo told court that after completing the registration, she returned to her office. Moments later, she noticed unusual movement outside.
She said she saw the accused bending over a child in the compound. Thinking at first it was discipline, she stepped out, only to realise the situation was serious and raised an alarm.
Staff and nearby people responded. One caregiver attempted to stop the attacker using a bicycle, while others shouted for help until more people arrived.
Those who responded managed to restrain the suspect.
Efforts to save victims
Court heard that some of the children were rushed to Wentz Medical Centre as staff and bystanders tried to save lives. One child was left behind after it was clear he had died.
Odongo identified one of the victims as Ryan Odeke.
Police later took over the scene and moved all four bodies to Mulago City Mortuary.
Medical findings presented in court indicated the children died from severe blood loss caused by deep neck injuries.
Vehicle hire evidence
Another witness, Ashim Juma, a car hire operator from Entebbe, told court that Okello had contacted him via WhatsApp in March asking for a vehicle.
He later hired one, which was delivered to Kyanja after payment of UGX 380,000. Juma said the accused later complained about mechanical problems.
Defence questions witness account
During cross-examination, the defence pointed out differences between Odongo’s court testimony and her earlier police statement, particularly on security at the school.
The court allowed the defence to rely on the statement as part of its evidence.
Hearing paused
The session was cut short when Okello appeared unwell. His lawyers asked for a break, and when court resumed, he said he could not continue.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha adjourned the case to April 16 and remanded the accused to Luzira Prison.
Pictures By Steven Mutyaba
