The Court of Appeal has constituted a panel of three Justices to hear an appeal by Okello Onyum challenging his conviction and death sentence over the killing of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre.
According to a judicial officer allocation notification issued through the Judiciary's Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) on November 10, 2026, the appeal has been assigned to Justices Christopher Gashirabake, Eva K. Luswata and John Mike Musisi.
Onyum was convicted on April 30, 2026, on four counts of murder after the High Court found that he had entered Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre and fatally stabbed four children.
He was subsequently sentenced to death, prompting him to challenge both the convictions and the sentence before the Court of Appeal.
In his appeal, Onyum reportedly questions the manner in which the trial court evaluated the evidence, particularly the medical evidence relating to his mental condition at the time of the offences.
He also challenges the trial court's handling of his insanity defence, arguing that the evidence presented on his mental state was not properly considered.
Additionally, Onyum contends that the death sentence was harsh and excessive, asking the appellate court to intervene.
The three-Justice panel will examine the grounds of appeal alongside the proceedings and evidence from the High Court trial before making its determination.
The constitution of the panel marks a significant step in the appellate process, although a hearing date had not been announced by November 11, 2026.
The Court of Appeal may uphold the convictions and sentences, overturn the decision, or grant other appropriate relief depending on its findings.
