Uganda Law Society Seeks Suspension of Ggaba Daycare Murder Trial Over Alleged Rights

Kampala April 15, 2026 - The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned the High Court Criminal Division to suspend proceedings in the ongoing Ggaba daycare murder trial, citing alleged violations of constitutional rights that it says must be addressed before the case can continue.

The application relates to Criminal Court Session No. 132 of 2026, in which Christopher Okello Onyum is being tried in connection with the killing of four children at a daycare facility in Ggaba, a case that has drawn nationwide attention.

In a letter dated April 14, 2026, addressed to Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, the ULS requested an urgent stay of proceedings, arguing that unresolved constitutional questions must first be determined.

Signed by ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, the petition is linked to Miscellaneous Application No. 170 of 2026 - Uganda Law Society vs Attorney General - a human rights enforcement case filed through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System.

The Society argues that the proceedings raise serious constitutional issues, including alleged violations of Articles 21(1), 38, 28(3)(a), 28(3)(c), 43, 44(c), 128(1), and 128(2) of the Constitution.

It further cites Section 8(1) of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019, which requires courts to halt proceedings where a question of rights violation arises until such issues are determined.

The Act, enacted to operationalize Article 50 of the Constitution, provides for broad enforcement mechanisms, including compensation, restitution, and other remedies where rights violations are established.

The ULS is therefore seeking both an immediate suspension of the criminal trial and the scheduling of an urgent hearing to resolve the constitutional questions raised.