Justice Komuhangi to preside over Ggaba toddlers’ murder case

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High Court Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha has been appointed by the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, to preside over the trial of a man indicted over the gruesome murder of four toddlers at the Ggaba Early Childhood Centre, a Kampala suburb.

Christopher Okello Onyum, whose alleged actions sent shockwaves across the nation, was last week committed to the High Court for trial by Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera.

This followed the prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya, tabling the indictment and a summary of the case in court, indicating that investigations had been completed.

The committal papers stated that Onyum is mentally fit to stand trial, ruling out mental defect as had been claimed by some members of his family.

Onyum’s trial will begin on Monday, April 13, 2026, in what will be the first mobile High Court session to be held at the Ggaba Community Church grounds near the crime scene.

The historic sitting marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) (Practice) Directions, 2026 (Legal Notice No. 1 of 2026), recently issued by the Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija.

The Directions provide a formal legal framework for courts to sit outside designated court premises where circumstances require, in order to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency in case disposal, and respond to unique situational demands.

This initiative forms part of the Judiciary’s broader transformation agenda aimed at taking judicial services closer to the people, particularly in matters of high public interest or where the interests of justice require proceedings to be conducted within the affected community.

On April 10, 2026, Samuel Twakyire, the deputy registrar at the Criminal Division of the High Court, chaired a preparatory meeting in Ggaba to coordinate arrangements for the special court sitting.

Three different sites were assessed to determine the most suitable location for the proceedings, with particular attention given to security considerations to ensure the safety of all participants and the orderly conduct of the session.

The meeting also discussed measures to manage the anticipated number of attendees while maintaining security and order.

It was agreed that access to the venue would be regulated through a categorisation system covering religious leaders, court staff, representatives of the affected families, security agencies, the Uganda Prisons Service, media personnel, and local leaders.

To enhance transparency and public access, the session will be streamed live on social media to enable a wider audience to follow the proceedings.

Having formerly served as a prosecutor, Komuhangi’s selection to preside over the murder case is no surprise.

Some of the prominent criminal trials she has handled include the terrorism, murder, and treason case involving Rwenzururu Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere and more than 200 of his subjects, among others.

Who is Justice Komuhangi

Born in Kyatoko, Rujumbura in Rukungiri district, Komuhangi began her career as a pupil state attorney in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 1999.

She steadily rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in 2017.

In August 2021, she was appointed a judge of the High Court. She is attached to both the International Crimes Division and the Family Division of the High Court.