KAMPALA
The High Court has sentenced Christopher Okello Onyum to death after finding him guilty on four counts of murder in connection with the killing of four toddlers at Ggaba Day Care Centre.
In her ruling, Lady Justice Alice Komuhangi Khauka said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt regarding the events of April 2.
The court heard that the victims, all children at the daycare facility in Ggaba, were murdered in a case that shocked the nation and sparked widespread public outrage.
Justice Komuhangi subsequently handed down the death sentence, Uganda’s maximum penalty for murder, on each of the four counts.
Before sentencing, the judge gave the convict an opportunity to speak in mitigation, but Okello declined to make any statement.
“I hereby sentence the you to a maximum death sentence in each of the four counts,” the judge ruled.
The judge informed Okello of his right to appeal the conviction and sentence within 14 days from the date of judgment.
The judge said the ruling was due to the gravity of the crime and the age of the victims, adding that the judgement will not only serve as a punishment to Okello but also to his accomplices who he declined to disclose before court and other Ugandans who think can amass wealth through ritual sacrifices.
