US Says No Criminal Record for Toddler Murder Suspect as Police Present CCTV Evidence
KAMPALA, Uganda — United States authorities have informed Ugandan investigators that Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of four toddlers at a Ggaba daycare centre earlier this month, has no known criminal record and was considered “a good citizen” during his time in America.
The revelation came in court just hours ago, as prosecutors and police continue to build a case against Onyum, a Ugandan-born US citizen.
Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police Eserait James, the Division CID Officer at Kabalagala Police, testified that investigators formally wrote to the American embassy in Kampala through the office of the deputy CID director, seeking background information on Okello, who had previously lived in the United States.
“The report from the Americans indicated that the embassy had no known criminal offence in their records regarding Okello,” Eserait told the court. He added that both of Onyum’s American passports were confirmed genuine because he had been “a good citizen.”
Meanwhile, the government has introduced new digital evidence aimed at placing the suspect at the scene before the killings.
Emmanuel Odong, an Assistant Inspector of Police attached to the Directorate of ICT under the CCTV department, presented footage tracking Onyum’s movements. He told the court that police cameras captured the vehicle allegedly used by the suspect at multiple locations as it headed toward Kampala city centre.
The locations included Nakawa, New Vision Junction, Kisugu, Namuwongo, and Shell Jinja Road, with the vehicle eventually spotted in Ggaba trading centre — just before the crimes were committed.
Prosecutors argue the footage undermines any potential alibi, though defense lawyers are expected to challenge the chain of custody and interpretation of the video evidence.
Onyum faces four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of the toddlers at the daycare. He has not yet entered a formal plea. The case has sparked outrage across the country, with parents and child rights advocates demanding justice and tighter safety regulations at daycare facilities.
The hearing continues.
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