Tears, Fury in Court as Families of Slain Toddlers Demand Justice in Daycare Killing Case
Heartbreak and raw emotion took center stage in a Ugandan courtroom as families of four toddlers killed in a daycare attack came face-to-face with the man accused of ending their children’s lives.
Global Mirror News gathered that relatives of the victims broke down in tears and openly confronted the suspect, Christopher Okello Onyum, during the opening of his trial in Kampala this week. Their pain was further deepened when the accused reportedly appeared unfazed—at one point laughing—while proceedings were ongoing.
For the grieving families, the court appearance was not just the start of a legal process but a painful reminder of lives cut tragically short. The victims—Gideon Eteku (2), Kaise Alungat (2), Ignatius Sserwange (3), and Ryan Odeke (2)—were among the youngest and most vulnerable members of society, enrolled at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre.
The facility, known for caring for malnourished and underprivileged children, had been a place of hope for many struggling parents. That sense of safety was shattered on April 2, 2026, when the suspect allegedly gained access to the centre by posing as a parent before launching a deadly knife attack.
According to prosecutors, Onyum is facing four counts of murder. They told the court that the attack was premeditated, alleging he carefully planned the act over several days before carrying out what they described as a sustained assault within the facility.
Global Mirror News gathered that the suspect had earlier made a “charge and caution statement” in which he allegedly confessed to the killings. However, when formally arraigned, he denied all charges.
“I plead not guilty to this charge, my lord,” he told the court.
Prosecutors also presented findings from a medical evaluation, stating that Onyum is mentally fit to stand trial, with “normal” thought processes. However, the report revealed disturbing beliefs, including claims that he sought wealth through ritual practices, allegedly describing the killings as a form of “fortune hunting or enrichment.”
The courtroom atmosphere grew tense as grieving relatives reacted emotionally, with some jeering at the accused while proceedings continued.
Beyond the courtroom, the tragedy has shaken communities across Uganda, igniting widespread outrage and fear among parents. The daycare centre, which catered to children aged between three months and three years, has since become a symbol of a devastating loss that has left families and the wider public demanding accountability.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, an angry crowd reportedly attempted to lynch the suspect before security operatives intervened.
Global Mirror News gathered that frustration has also been directed at the pace of the legal process, with many calling for swift justice.
Adding to public pressure, Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba—son of President Yoweri Museveni—has reportedly stated that authorities would push for the death penalty if the accused is convicted.
As the trial progresses, the families of the victims say they remain focused on one thing—justice for their children and assurances that such a tragedy will never happen again.
