Court proceedings in the ongoing Ggaba daycare murder trial took an unexpected turn after street-connected children gave detailed testimony describing their early interactions with the accused, Christopher Okello Onyum, in accounts that have added new complexity to the case.
The children, who testified under protection due to their age and vulnerable circumstances, told the court that their first encounter with Okello occurred while they were living on the streets in a group of more than forty minors.
According to their testimony, the group initially approached Okello requesting assistance in the form of drinking water, as they were struggling with basic needs at the time of the encounter.
They stated that instead of providing water, the accused allegedly chose to buy them food, taking them to a nearby vendor where meals were paid for and shared among the children.
The witnesses described the gesture as unusual and memorable, noting that it stood out because most people they approached typically offered small or no assistance at all.
Following the meal, the children told the court that Okello engaged them in conversation and appeared interested in maintaining contact with at least some members of the group.
One of the witnesses testified that he was singled out and asked for his phone number, with instructions to remain reachable whenever needed.
He further told the court that the accused asked him to assist in identifying or “mobilising” other children from the street group during future encounters.
The witness explained that contact details were exchanged and saved under names chosen at the time, a detail that was highlighted during court questioning.
He added that subsequent meetings took place, during which food and other small provisions were again allegedly provided to the children present.
The testimony also indicated that the children were of varying ages, with some estimated to be between seven and ten years old, although exact ages were difficult to confirm.
Court observers noted that the defence presented the witness as part of its effort to provide context around the accused’s interactions with street-connected children prior to the incident under trial.
During cross-examination, prosecutors focused on clarifying dates, locations, and the frequency of contact between the children and the accused.
The court heard that the initial encounter took place in February 2026, a detail both sides examined closely for consistency with other evidence in the case.
Legal representatives stressed the importance of carefully evaluating the testimony, given the age of the witnesses and the informal nature of their living conditions at the time of the events described.
Judges overseeing the case maintained strict protections for the minors, ensuring that their identities remained confidential throughout the proceedings.
The courtroom was reminded that the testimony relates to allegations and recollections presented under oath, and that the court has yet to reach any conclusion regarding the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Advocates following the case noted that testimony from vulnerable street children often presents challenges due to memory gaps, environmental instability, and reliance on informal communication methods.
Despite these challenges, the accounts were described as significant in helping the court understand the interactions between the accused and the children before the alleged incident occurred.
Outside the courtroom, the case continues to draw public attention, particularly due to the involvement of minors and the sensitive nature of the allegations being examined.
As hearings continue, both prosecution and defence are expected to call additional witnesses in an effort to strengthen their respective narratives and clarify disputed details.
The trial remains ongoing, with the court expected to weigh all testimony carefully before making any determinations in what has become one of the most closely followed cases in the region.
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