Written By | Peter Luzinda
Onyum, a 39-year-old man reported to hold dual Ugandan and American citizenship, gained access to the daycare by posing as a parent interested in enrolling a child
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Kampala
In a swift and highly publicized ruling, the High Court has convicted Christopher Okello Onyum on four counts of murder and sentenced him to death for the horrific stabbing of four young children at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme (also referred to as Ggaba Early Childhood Development Daycare Centre) on April 2, 2026.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha delivered the conviction this afternoon during proceedings held at the Ggaba Community Church grounds in Makindye Division, Kampala — a rare mobile court setup ordered to allow public access and transparency following widespread outrage over the killings. Court assessors had earlier advised the judge to convict the suspect, stating that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Onyum, a 39-year-old man reported to hold dual Ugandan and American citizenship, gained access to the daycare by posing as a parent interested in enrolling a child. Once inside, he allegedly locked the gate and attacked the toddlers with a knife, killing four children instantly. The victims, aged between approximately 15 months and two-and-a-half years, were identified in reports as including Rayan Eteku (or Eteku Gideon), Keisha Agenoroth (or Kaise Alungat), Ignatius Sseruyange, and Rayan Odeke — three boys and one girl. A fifth child was reportedly injured in the attack.
Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha delivered the judgement
Police arrested Onyum at the scene shortly after the attack. During earlier court appearances, he reportedly confessed to the killings, claiming he carried them out as “human sacrifices” in a bid to get wealthy — a motive prosecutors highlighted. He later told the court that his initial confession was made under duress and pleaded not guilty to the four counts of murder.
The trial moved unusually quickly. President Yoweri Museveni directed the Judiciary to fast-track the case, and proceedings were conducted publicly in a tent near the crime scene, drawing large crowds and significant media attention.
Following today’s conviction, state prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum penalty. Under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, murder carries either the death penalty or life imprisonment. The court reconvened later in the afternoon for sentencing submissions, after which Onyum was sentenced to death.
The brutal attack on April 2 sent shockwaves across Uganda, especially as it occurred just before Good Friday. Parents and residents of Ggaba held mourning services and demanded justice. The incident raised serious concerns about security at early childhood centers and the vulnerability of young children in urban areas.
Reactions to the death sentence are pouring in, with many Ugandans expressing relief that the judicial process was expedited, though some have raised questions about the broader implications for the justice system and public trust.
The families of the victims have not yet issued public statements following the sentencing. Counselling and support services are expected to continue for the affected community.
This case marks one of the fastest high-profile murder trials in recent Ugandan history, reflecting both the gravity of the crime and intense public pressure for accountability.
Torch Media Africa
