A tense silence gripped the courtroom as proceedings in the high-profile Ggaba child murder case were abruptly halted following the emotional collapse of the accused, Christopher Okello Onyum.
The dramatic moment unfolded during a session presided over by Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, where crucial testimony was being presented.
Okello, who is facing charges over the killing of four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba, suddenly lost composure as evidence linking him to the crime scene was laid out in court.
The breakdown occurred during the testimony of Prosecution Witness Eight, Rashid Juma, a director at Trip Car Rentals-Uganda, whose account placed the accused in possession of a vehicle believed to have been used around the time of the murders.
Juma calmly walked the court through his interactions with Okello, explaining that their first contact dated back to March 12, 2026.
He testified that the accused presented a United States passport along with a driving permit in order to secure a rental vehicle.
According to Juma, the arrangement involved a payment of three hundred and eighty-eight thousand shillings sent via mobile money, covering a two-day rental period from April 1 to April 2.
He further told the court that Okello shared a Google Maps location that directed him to a residence in Kyanja, where the vehicle was delivered.
Juma recounted that he met the accused at around 8:00 PM on March 31 during a heavy downpour, and that the transaction was completed under a shelter at the gate.
He added that the following day, the accused complained about mechanical issues with the car, prompting him to dispatch a mechanic.
The mechanic, according to Juma’s testimony, was sent to a school in Mpunga where Okello was reportedly located at the time.
As these details unfolded, including how police later confiscated Juma’s phone as part of the investigation, tension in the courtroom visibly escalated.
Observers noted that Okello became increasingly unsettled as the testimony progressed.
Moments later, he broke down, forcing his defense lawyers to urgently intervene.
His legal team informed the court that the accused was “not feeling well emotionally” and requested a pause in proceedings.
When the session briefly resumed, the atmosphere remained heavy, with all eyes fixed on the accused.
Okello appeared shaken and struggled to respond to questions directed at him by the judge.
At one point, when asked to explain his condition, he was heard murmuring, “It’s a script,” before trailing off mid-sentence.
Court officials attempted to steady the situation by offering him water and time to regain composure.
Despite these efforts, Okello insisted that he was unable to continue and needed rest.
The unexpected collapse raised concern and curiosity within the courtroom, particularly because the accused had earlier been assessed and found mentally fit to stand trial.
Justice Khaukha responded by ordering that a formal report on Okello’s condition be prepared before proceedings resume.
The trial was subsequently adjourned to April 16, 2026, to allow for further assessment.
Okello is charged with the murder of four young children—Keisha Agenrwot Atim, Gideon Eteku, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Rhan Odeke—whose deaths have deeply shaken the community.
Earlier in the day, the court had heard testimony from key witnesses who provided background on events leading up to the tragedy.
Among them was Phibby Namutebi, a caretaker at the daycare centre, who gave insight into the daily operations and environment at the facility.
Another witness, Annet Odong, the school coordinator, also addressed the court, helping to piece together the timeline before the incident occurred.
As the trial continues, the case remains one of the most emotionally charged in recent times, drawing intense public attention and raising broader questions about safety, accountability, and justice.
