The murder trial of Christopher Onyum Okello is moving to final submissions after the defence formally closed its case, having failed to produce two additional witnesses before Ggaba mobile court on Monday, April 27, 2026 as citd by Nile post.

Defence lawyer Richard Kumbuga told court that efforts to secure the remaining witnesses had not succeeded. According to the report, the court was informed that the witnesses could not be reached.

Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha noted that Okello had provided phone contacts but no physical addresses, making it difficult for court officials to trace the witnesses. The defence had presented three witnesses before asking for time to prepare final submissions.

The case now shifts to closing arguments, after which three court assessors are expected to give their advisory opinions. Assessors in Uganda’s criminal trials provide non-binding views to help the judge evaluate the evidence.

Okello faces four counts of murder over the April 2 killings of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre. The High Court had earlier ruled that he had a case to answer after the prosecution presented 18 witnesses.

Prosecutors allege that Okello was responsible for the fatal attack. The motive claims remain prosecution allegations and have not been established as fact by the court.

It is not yet clear whether judgment will be delivered immediately after submissions or fixed for a later date. The trial, however, is now approaching its final judicial stage.