Okello argues that trial judge Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha failed to properly evaluate the evidence, resulting in what he describes as a miscarriage of justice.
Three Court of Appeal justices have been assigned to hear an appeal by Christopher Okello Onyum, who is challenging his conviction and death sentence for murdering four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala.
Justices Christopher Gashirabake, Eva K. Luswata and John Mike Musisi will handle the appeal, according to a judicial officer allocation notification issued through the Judiciary’s Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) on November 10, 2026.
The appeal, registered as Criminal Appeal No. COA-00-CR-CN-0288-2026, challenges the High Court’s handling of evidence, particularly medical findings relating to Okello’s mental condition, as well as the imposition of the death penalty.
In his memorandum of appeal filed on June 12, Okello raises three grounds on which he wants the appellate court to overturn the High Court decision.
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He argues that trial judge Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha failed to properly evaluate the evidence, resulting in what he describes as a miscarriage of justice.
He also faults the judge for allegedly failing to give proper consideration to medical evidence concerning his mental state, particularly his defence that he was suffering from insanity when the killings occurred.
On the third ground, Okello contends that the death sentence was harsh and excessive, asking the Court of Appeal to set it aside or vary it.
He wants the appellate court to quash his convictions, overturn the sentences and order his release.
The appeal stems from the April 2, 2026 killings at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Makindye Division, where four children below the age of three were fatally attacked.
The victims were identified as Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange and Ryan Odeke.
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During the trial, prosecution evidence indicated that Okello had visited the daycare facility under the pretext of seeking admission for a child before launching the attack.
The case was heard by the High Court through a mobile court sitting at Ggaba Community Church grounds, near the scene of the killings, attracting considerable public attention.
On April 30, Justice Komuhangi Khaukha convicted Okello on all four counts of murder contrary to Sections 171 and 172 of the Penal Code Act and sentenced him to death.
The judge rejected his insanity defence, ruling that the evidence did not establish that he suffered from a disease of the mind that deprived him of the ability to understand the nature and consequences of his actions at the time of the offences.
In reaching the decision, the court considered psychiatric assessments alongside witness accounts, CCTV footage, telephone records, financial transactions and forensic evidence, including DNA findings linking Okello to the crime.
The judge also considered his conduct before and during the incident, including his interactions with daycare staff and movements, which she found demonstrated purposeful and organised behaviour.
The three court assessors had recommended his conviction, finding that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the judgment, Okello filed a notice of appeal on May 6, 2026, while in Luzira Prison, signalling his intention to challenge both the convictions and sentences.
He subsequently filed his memorandum of appeal on June 12 through the Uganda Law Society’s Legal Aid Project, setting out the three grounds for challenging the decision.
The Court of Appeal will now examine whether the trial court properly evaluated the evidence, correctly addressed the insanity defence and imposed a lawful and appropriate sentence.
The outcome could determine whether the four murder convictions and death sentences stand, are varied or are overturned.