Court hears Ggaba toddler killings were carefully planned

A 39-year-old man accused of brutally killing four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre meticulously planned the attack, court has heard.

Christopher Okello Onyum is alleged to have carried out the deadly assault on April 2, 2026, claiming the lives of four toddlers.

The victims, one girl and three boys, have been identified as Ryan Odeke (1.5 years), Keisha Agenorwoth (2 years), Gideon Eteku (2.5 years), and Ignatius Sseruyange (2.5 years).

During committal proceedings at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the prosecution outlined what it described as a calculated and deliberate plan leading up to the killings.

On Tuesday, Onyum appeared before the same court and was charged with four counts of murder, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of death upon conviction.

When the matter came up for mention on Wednesday, Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya informed the court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, that investigations had been completed. Acting on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, he applied to have the accused committed to the High Court for trial.

Court heard that on March 31, 2026, the accused hired a motor vehicle, registration number UAM 645M, to facilitate his movements. The following day, he reportedly drove through several areas in Kampala, including Ntinda, Nakawa, Kabalagala, Bunga, and Ggaba.

On the same day, he visited the daycare centre under the pretext of seeking admission for a child. He reportedly interacted with a caretaker, Phoebe Namutebi, from whom he obtained details about admission procedures and fees.

Prosecution further stated that four days before the incident, the accused allegedly purchased knives intended for use in the attack.

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On the morning of April 2, 2026, he returned to the centre and paid Shs195,000 via mobile money to the head of the facility. Shortly after making the payment, he allegedly launched a violent attack on children who were playing in the compound, using a knife.

When a caretaker attempted to intervene, the accused reportedly threatened her life, forcing her to retreat as he continued the assault.

He was eventually subdued by security personnel and members of the public. During his arrest, he allegedly attempted to discard the blood-stained knife used in the attack. For his own safety, he was locked in a room at the scene until police arrived.

Family members of the children killed in the attack react during a break in proceedings at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court.

Police later recovered the knife, along with two additional knives found in his possession. Investigators also recorded statements from eyewitnesses and recovered a payment receipt issued to the accused.

The management of the centre rushed three of the victims to Wentz Medical Centre, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

The murder weapon was recovered from within the compound and has since been preserved as an exhibit for forensic analysis.