Ggaba murder case: Okello’s witnesses cannot be found

KAMPALA - Two of the four witnesses that Christopher Onyum Okello, the prime suspect in the Ggaba toddlers murder case, had listed cannot be found.

This was revealed by his lawyers, Richard Kumbuga and Sarah Awero, when the case resumed on Monday, April 2, 2026.

“My lord, the matter is coming up today for further hearing of the defence witnesses. However, I have been informed by the court process server that the intended witnesses could not be found and the affidavit I believe, is on court record. The same position has been discussed with our client. My lord, in the circumstances, since the remaining witnesses cannot be found, we close the defence,” Kumbuga submitted.

This prompted the trial judge, Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, to direct both prosecution and defence lawyers to present their final submissions for and against the conviction of Okello as the case nears judgment.

The submissions by both parties will be followed by the summing up of the case to the assessors by the judge before advising her on whether to convict or acquit the accused.

Christopher Onyum Okello's lawyers defend him during a court session on Monday. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

The hearing of the case is taking place at Ggaba Community Church under the mobile High Court session, in line with the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) (Practice) Directions, 2026.

The prosecution, led by chief state attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, produced 18 witnesses in court to testify against Okello.

After evaluating the evidence, the judge last week found that Okello has a case to answer, and he was accordingly put on his defence.

After he was ordered to defend himself, Okello listed four witnesses, but the court process server was able to find only two of them.

The April 2, 2026, incident has since sent shockwaves among the public, with many questioning why someone would target innocent children.