A medical report presented to the High Court has revealed that Ggaba murder suspect Okello is underweight and living with sickle cell disease, following a directive by trial judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha for the Uganda Prisons Service to submit his health status before the latest court session.
The findings were disclosed in court after a delay caused by a heavy downpour that pushed proceedings to midday.
According to the report, Okello had not taken his prescribed sickle cell medication for the past two months, a lapse that officials say may have contributed to his declining health and earlier interruptions in the trial process.
The court was further informed that he had since resumed his medication the previous evening, after which proceedings continued.
Judge Komuhangi told the court that the report confirmed Okello’s condition, noting his underweight status and ongoing management of sickle cell disease.
Despite the earlier concerns, Okello later told the court that he was fit to proceed with the trial.
“I can confirm that I am physically and mentally fit,” he said when asked by the judge.
The proceedings had earlier experienced repeated interruptions after his legal team requested several breaks, some of which extended longer than anticipated.
On Wednesday, defence lawyers informed the court that Okello was unwell, prompting the judge to grant a 30-minute recess that stretched to nearly one and a half hours.
When the hearing resumed, little progress was made as the accused declined to continue with the proceedings at that stage.
The court is expected to make further directions on the conduct of the trial as proceedings continue.
