Okello Phone Forensics Reveal Searches for ‘Gun License Requirements’ and ‘ISIS Beheading

Court hears chilling digital trail as investigators present phone data, DNA evidence, and location searches linking suspect to alleged planning in the Ggaba toddler murders.

A digital forensics expert from the Uganda Police Force has told court that analysis of one of Christopher Okello Onyum’s mobile phones revealed a series of internet searches that investigators say could point to planning and intent.

According to Kenneth Anguru's testimony, Okello searched for “gun license requirements in Uganda” and “ISIS beheading,” among other queries recovered from the Motorola handset presented as evidence.

The court also heard that Okello conducted multiple Google Maps searches for nursery and daycare centres across different locations.

These included Kyanja Junior School, Matugga Pre-School, Mum’s Love Kindergarten in Semuto, Lam Kindergarten and Day Care Centre in Matugga, Golden Infant Kindergarten, and Edibet ECD and Play Centre.

Anguru noted that the list of searched locations was significantly longer, but the presiding judge, Alice Komuhangi Khauka, directed that it be summarised to save court time.

Further forensic analysis revealed that Okello searched, “How many kilometres can 14 litres cover in a 2000 Toyota RAV4?”, a query investigators believe is linked to a vehicle he is said to have hired prior to the incident.

Another search, “Trip Care Car Rental,” is also suspected to be connected to the same arrangement.

The prosecution has been relying on digital, medical, and eyewitness evidence as it seeks to build its case, while the defence continues to challenge the interpretation of the findings, particularly regarding the suspect’s mental state at the time of the alleged crimes.

Earlier, prosecution witness number 17, Barbanabas Harerimana, a forensic biologist, confirmed to court that DNA linked to Okello was found on the suspected murder weapon.

Harerimana, who authored a DNA report on biological exhibits recovered from the crime scene, presented several items in court, including a school uniform worn by one of the deceased on the day of the incident.

Okello is facing charges related to the murder of four toddlers in Ggaba, a case that has drawn widespread public attention due to its gravity and the age of the victims.

The killings, which occurred on April 2, 2026, shocked residents and triggered renewed scrutiny over safety in daycare centres, alongside calls for justice.