Three Justices to Hear Onyum’s Appeal Against Death Sentence

[Archival Sense]

The Court of Appeal has appointed a panel of three justices to hear an appeal filed by Christopher Okello Onyum, who was sentenced to death for murdering four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala.

The panel comprises Justices Christopher Gashirabake, Eva Luswata and John Mike Musisi.

Onyum was convicted on April 30, 2026, over the murders of Eteku Gideon, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Sseruyange Ignatius and Odeke Ryan. His trial was conducted through a mobile public court at Ggaba Community Grounds, near the scene of the killings.

Justice Komuhangi Kaukha sentenced him to death on all four counts, describing the murders as gruesome.

Through the Uganda Law Society’s legal aid office, Onyum appealed both his conviction and sentence, raising three main grounds.

He challenges the court’s assessment of medical evidence relating to his mental state and whether he was criminally responsible for the killings. He also argues that the death sentence was harsh and excessive.

Onyum is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the High Court decision, quash his conviction and set aside the sentence.

He remains on death row at Luzira Prison as he awaits the outcome of his appeal.

Courtesy Photo