Okello Confessed to Killing His Own Brother for Wealth- Psychiatrist Tells Court Shocking Revelation

The High Court in Kampala has been told that murder suspect Christopher Okello Onyum is mentally fit to stand trial, despite a disturbing history that includes hallucinations, a past killing, and a suicide attempt.

Testifying on Thursday, Emmanuel Nuwamanya, a senior psychiatrist and Deputy Director of Uganda Police Health Services, said his evaluation found the accused to be stable and coherent during examination. He explained that Okello showed clear thinking and was able to understand proceedings, meaning there was no immediate barrier to him facing trial.

However, the court also heard details that raised concern about the accused’s past mental health. According to Dr. Nuwamanya, Okello described experiencing both auditory and visual hallucinations over a period stretching from 2016 to 2025. The psychiatrist said this information came directly from the accused during assessment.

In a particularly troubling disclosure, Okello reportedly admitted to killing his younger brother several years ago. The child, believed to have been about two or three years old, was killed in what the accused described as an attempt to “save” him from suffering. The doctor told the court that this incident was part of the history shared during the evaluation.

The accused also revealed that he attempted to take his own life in 2023. In addition, he is currently receiving treatment for sickle cell disease, a condition that was noted during the medical review.

Despite these details, Dr. Nuwamanya emphasized that at the time of examination, Okello did not show signs of active mental disturbance. He told the court that the accused was composed, responsive, and capable of following questions, though his past experiences pointed to episodes consistent with a mental disorder.

The testimony adds weight to ongoing arguments around Okello’s mental state. While the defence has questioned his psychological fitness, the prosecution continues to present evidence through witnesses and expert opinions to support its case.

Dr. Nuwamanya noted that much of his assessment relied on what the accused himself reported, suggesting that further evaluation may be necessary as the trial continues. The court is now left to consider how the medical findings fit alongside other evidence as it examines both accountability and mental health in a case that has drawn growing public attention.