The trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, the man accused of killing four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, was abruptly halted on Wednesday after he suffered an emotional breakdown inside the courtroom.
The incident occurred during testimony from Prosecution Witness Eight, Rashid Juma, a director at Trip Car Rentals Uganda, who detailed how the accused allegedly hired a vehicle that investigators believe was used shortly before the fatal incident on April 2.
Juma told court that his interactions with Okello began on March 12, 2026, when the accused reportedly used a United States passport and driving permit to secure a vehicle rental. He said Okello paid Shs388,000 via mobile money for a two-day hire covering April 1 and 2.
According to Juma, Okello later sent a Google Maps location directing him to a residence in Kyanja where the car was delivered. He further testified that he met the accused at a gate around 8:00pm on March 31 during heavy rain, where the handover was completed under a shelter.
Juma also told court that the accused later complained of mechanical problems with the vehicle, prompting him to send a mechanic to Mpunga, where Okello was reportedly located at the time.
The testimony further revealed that police later seized Juma’s phone as part of ongoing investigations into the case.
As the witness laid out the technical details of the rental transaction, Okello reportedly became visibly distressed. His defence team quickly intervened, informing Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha that their client was “not feeling well emotionally” and needed a short break.
When proceedings resumed briefly, the accused appeared shaken and struggled to respond to the court. When asked about his condition, Okello was heard muttering, “It’s a script,” before trailing off.
Despite being offered water and time to recover, he insisted he was unable to continue, prompting the court to pause the hearing.
The unexpected breakdown raised concern in the courtroom, especially given that Okello had previously been assessed and found fit to stand trial.
Justice Khaukha ordered a medical report to establish the accused’s condition before proceedings resume on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Okello faces charges over the deaths of four children, Keisha Agenrwot Atim, Gideon Eteku, Ignatius Sseruyange, and Rhan Odeke, who were killed at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre.
Earlier in the day, the court also heard testimony from school caretaker Phibby Namutebi and school coordinator Annet Odong, both of whom gave accounts of events leading up to the tragedy at the nursery facility.
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