Judge Evacuated After Heavy Storm Disrupts Trial of Man Accused of Killing 4 Toddlers

The trial of a man accused of killing four toddlers in Uganda was interrupted on Tuesday after a heavy storm destroyed part of a temporary courtroom.

The incident happened in Kampala during the hearing of Christopher Okello Onyum, the main suspect in the shocking Ggaba daycare killings that left four young children dead.

What was expected to be an important court session quickly turned chaotic after strong winds and heavy rain hit the area.

Storm Forces Court Session to Stop

According to local reports, the hearing had resumed in the afternoon and the final prosecution witness was expected to testify.

However, the weather suddenly changed as light rain quickly turned into a violent storm.

Strong winds tore through the main tent that had been set up as a mobile courtroom near the scene of the tragedy.

The tent started collapsing, causing panic among everyone inside, including court officials, lawyers, journalists and members of the public.

People were seen rushing out for safety as the structure became unstable.

Judge Quickly Moved to Safety

The presiding judge, Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, was quickly escorted out by her security team.

Her bodyguards immediately moved her to an official vehicle parked nearby as the storm continued.

Because of the dangerous weather, the court session was forced to stop before the final witness could take the stand.

The trial has now been pushed to Thursday, depending on the weather conditions.

Second Setback in the High-Profile Trial

This is the second disruption in the trial within a short period.

Last week, a vehicle carrying the suspect reportedly lost control and knocked down a journalist, leaving him seriously injured.

The repeated delays continue to frustrate families who are still waiting for justice for their children.

How the Four Toddlers Were Killed

The heartbreaking case shocked Uganda and the wider East African region after four toddlers were killed at a daycare centre in Ggaba on April 2.

The children, aged between two and three years, included one girl and three boys.

Police say the suspect allegedly entered the daycare by pretending to be a parent before attacking the children with a machete.

The brutal incident left the community in deep grief and raised serious concerns over safety in daycare centres.

CCTV Footage Presented in Court

During the hearing, the court also watched CCTV footage said to show the suspect’s movements a day before the killings.

The video reportedly captured Okello arriving at the area, walking in, and leaving after about six minutes.

A police doctor also informed the court that during a psychiatric assessment, the suspect mentioned that he had previously attempted to take his own life.

Investigations into the tragic incident are still ongoing.