Kampala, Uganda | The main suspect in the killing of four toddlers at a Ggaba-based early childhood centre has pleaded not guilty to all charges as his public trial commenced on Monday.
Okello Christopher Onyum, the accused, appeared before the High Court sitting at Ggaba Community School grounds, where he denied four counts of murder brought against him under Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act (Cap 128).
Prosecution alleges that on April 2, at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala, Okello unlawfully and with malice aforethought caused the deaths of four minors—Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenoroth, Sseruynage Ignatius and Odeke Rayan.
Court proceedings heard that the accused acknowledged understanding the charges but firmly denied any involvement in the killings, a response that drew visible reaction from relatives of the victims and members of the public in attendance.
By entering a not guilty plea, the case will now proceed to full trial, with the prosecution expected to table its evidence while the defence prepares its case.
The trial, which is scheduled to run daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm over the course of a week, is being presided over by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, preliminary investigations indicate that the attack may have been premeditated, with prosecutors expected to present evidence pointing to a sequence of planned actions leading up to the incident.
The decision to hold a public trial follows heightened public interest in the case and guidance from Yoweri Museveni.
Security has been tightened at the venue amid concerns over possible unrest, particularly following earlier reports that some residents attempted to assault the suspect.
Relatives of the deceased, witnesses and members of the public attended the opening session, as the court began hearing one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent times.
