Government sets public trial for Ggaba daycare murder suspect

KAMPALA - The Government has announced that the trial of a suspect accused of killing four children at a daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala, will be conducted in a public court, in response to widespread public demand for transparency and accountability.

The suspect, identified as Christopher Onyum Okello, 39, was arrested on April 2, 2026, following a deadly attack at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme in Makindye Division.

According to Police, the incident occurred at around 11:00am after a distress call reporting an individual allegedly attacking children at the facility. Responding officers apprehended the suspect at the scene.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that four minors, all pupils at the daycare centre, were killed in the attack. The victims have been identified as Eteku Gideon (2), Kaise Alungat (2), Ignatius Sserwange (3), and Ryan Odeke (2).

Public trial at crime scene

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, said the proceedings will be conducted in open court at Ggaba Community School grounds, near the scene of the crime.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 13, and will run for one week, with daily sessions from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

“This arrangement is in line with public demand and the guidance of His Excellency the President to ensure that justice is not only done, but is seen to be done,” Barugahara said in a post on his social site X.

Minister Balaam Barugahara

The minister's statement in full:

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Joint Security Forces, including CID, JAT, Crime Intelligence and other intelligence agencies, for their speedy, thorough and comprehensive investigations into the tragic murder of the nation’s children in Gaba.

We also express our gratitude to the Lord Chief Justice and the entire Judiciary for allowing an expedited trial for the suspect in the recent heartbreaking killing of infants in Gaba.

In response to public demand, the proceedings will be held in open court.

The trial is scheduled to commence on Monday, 13th April, and will run for one week.
Court sessions will run daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend. Please note that seating within the courtroom will be limited to 1,000 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Once proceedings begin, no further entry will be permitted.

To ensure wider public access, screens and speakers will be installed for live viewing, and the trial will also be broadcast on major television stations.

For security and convenience, attendees are advised not to carry bags or any unnecessary items.

Parents and members of the general public are encouraged to participate as we collectively uphold and support justice for all in Uganda, particularly within Kampala.

In line with public demand and the guidance of His Excellency the President, the trial will also be held publicly at the scene of the crime, Gaba Community School Grounds.

Thank you.
BBarugahara
Minister of State for Children Affairs