The ongoing trial in the Ggaba daycare murder case has taken a dramatic turn with testimonies from two of the accused’s former landlords. The case, which revolves around the brutal killing of four toddlers at a daycare facility in Ggaba, Kampala, has shocked the nation and led to widespread public outrage.
Christopher Okello Onyum, who stands accused of the grisly murders, was previously a tenant in two different properties, and the landlords’ testimonies are beginning to shed light on his character and behavior leading up to the tragedy.
The first landlord to testify, Joel Makai, spoke in the mobile High Court sitting at Ggaba Community Church grounds, presided over by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha. Makai explained how he first came into contact with Okello in March of this year, when a house broker introduced the accused to him. According to Makai, Okello had expressed interest in renting the house, and after discussions, a tenancy agreement was formalized.
The accused paid four months’ rent upfront, with each month costing sh400,000. This amounted to a total of sh1.6 million, of which sh1.5 million was deposited in the bank as instructed, and an additional sh100,000 was paid in cash as a broker’s fee.
While this payment history appeared normal, Makai’s testimony took a turn when he described Okello’s behavior during his time as a tenant.
He stated that Okello seemed to be a man of simple means, but what stood out most was his love for children. This detail has sparked curiosity as it contradicts the horrific crime he is now accused of committing.
In another testimony, Paul Mukasa, Okello’s former landlord in Bunga, Kampala, offered further insight into the accused’s character. Mukasa described Okello as a “simple man” who had a fondness for children. Mukasa’s account was largely centered on the financial aspects of the tenancy agreement. Okello had rented a house at sh170,000 per month, a considerably lower price than Makai’s rental in Kyanja.
However, Okello’s time at Mukasa’s property was short-lived. He only managed to pay for three months’ rent before vacating the premises, one week after the last payment.
Mukasa further revealed that Okello was a quiet, reserved person who did not attract much attention during his stay. He noted that while Okello appeared friendly, his lack of long-term commitment to paying rent left him with a negative impression.
Mukasa did not mention any peculiar behavior or signs of trouble during Okello’s time as a tenant, leaving little to suggest the violent tendencies that later came to light.
The testimonies from these two landlords have provided a glimpse into Okello’s life prior to the alleged murder. They suggest that, on the surface, Okello led a relatively normal life as a tenant and was regarded as a likeable and simple man by those who interacted with him.
However, these initial impressions seem to contradict the horrific nature of the crimes he is accused of committing.
The Ggaba daycare killings, which took place on April 2, 2026, shocked the nation. Four toddlers, all between the ages of one and three, were allegedly stabbed to death inside the daycare facility in a brutal daytime attack. Witnesses, including daycare caretakers, have testified about the harrowing scenes they witnessed during the assault.
One caretaker described how she attempted to shield the children as the attacker went on his murderous rampage.
Okello allegedly visited the daycare in the days leading up to the killings, posing as a parent interested in enrolling a child. According to witnesses, he presented himself as a friendly and concerned individual, which made his later actions even more shocking.
His appearance at the daycare, combined with the fact that he had been in the area the day before the attack, has raised questions about whether he had planned the assault in advance.
The trial, which is being conducted in a public “community court” session at Ggaba, has attracted hundreds of local residents eager to witness the proceedings firsthand. The unusual setup, designed to allow the community directly affected by the crime to observe the pursuit of justice, has sparked both support and legal debate.
While many believe it is important for the community to see justice being served, others have questioned whether the public nature of the trial might undermine fairness and judicial independence.
Despite the intense public interest and the legal controversy surrounding the trial, the proceedings are moving forward, and more testimonies are expected. The prosecution is likely to present additional evidence to build their case against Okello, while his defense team will attempt to counter the charges and question the validity of the evidence presented.
As the case continues, the community of Ggaba remains on edge, seeking justice for the innocent children whose lives were tragically cut short. The courtroom has become a place where emotions run high, and the impact of the crime is felt deeply by everyone involved. For many, this trial represents more than just a legal case; it is a quest for justice for the victims and a painful reminder of the dangers that lurk in society.
The Ggaba daycare murder case has already become one of the most talked-about events in the country, and as the trial unfolds, more shocking revelations are likely to emerge. It is clear that the community is determined to see justice done, but with so many questions left unanswered, the road ahead may be long and fraught with emotional challenges for everyone involved.
For now, the victims’ families and the residents of Ggaba await the next chapter in this tragic and shocking case, hoping that the truth will eventually come to light and that justice will be served for the innocent children who lost their lives in such a horrific manner.
