The High Court in Kampala has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death for the murder of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, bringing to a close a case that shocked the nation.
Delivering her judgment, Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha ruled that the offence fell within the “rarest of the rare” category, warranting the maximum penalty under Uganda’s sentencing framework.
She noted that while the Sentencing Guidelines Practice Directions of 2013 set a starting point of 35 years for murder, courts retain discretion to adjust sentences depending on aggravating and mitigating factors.
Justice Khaukha agreed with the prosecution that the crime was exceptionally heinous, citing the cruel and calculated manner in which the killings were carried out. She emphasized that the victims were vulnerable children attacked in what should have been a safe environment.
The judge further observed that Okello showed no remorse throughout the trial and failed to apologise to the grieving families, some of whom attended the proceedings.
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose the death sentence, arguing that the murders were marked by extreme brutality and premeditation. They also suggested possible ritual motives, a claim the judge said she found plausible based on evidence presented, including testimony from a psychiatric expert.
In mitigation, Okello declined to address the court. His defence lawyer instead conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and asked the court to consider his troubled background, including being raised in a dysfunctional family. However, Justice Khaukha ruled that such factors could not justify the magnitude of the crime.
She added that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others, particularly those driven by beliefs in ritual sacrifice.
The court informed Okello of his right to appeal both conviction and sentence within 14 days.
