Gaba Murder Case: Assessors Take Oath as Trial Begins

Kampala — The High Court has sworn in three assessors in the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, who is accused of murdering four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre.

At the commencement of the hearing, the court appointed three ordinary Ugandans to serve as assessors, a requirement in criminal trials to help guide the court with independent opinions based on the evidence presented.

Presiding over the case, Lady Justice Alice Kaukha cautioned the assessors to remain objective in their role.

“You are advised to rely on the evidence brought before court in advising the court, not emotions,” she said.

The assessors sworn in are Teopista Maria, 29, a resident of Masajja Zone B in Wakiso District; Ainomugisha Recheal from Bukoto I Village, Mulimira Zone; and Musana John, 41.

The trio took an oath before the court, officially paving the way for the hearing of prosecution witnesses to begin.

Under Ugandan law, assessors provide opinions to guide the judge’s decision, although their views are not binding.

According to the prosecution, Onyum allegedly committed the offences on April 2, 2025, at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Ggaba Trading Centre, Makindye Division, Kampala District. It is alleged that, with malice aforethought, he caused the deaths of Eteku Gideon, Keith Agenorwoth Otim, Sseruyange Ignatius, and Odeke Ryan.