KAMPALA, Uganda — Four young children have been killed in a brutal attack at a church-based daycare centre in Ggaba, Kampala, sparking grief and outrage among parents and the wider community.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at around 11:00am at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme (ECDP), located in Ggaba Parish, Makindye Division.
According to police, a man armed with a machete gained access to the facility by posing as a parent before launching an attack on children inside the premises. Authorities say he locked the gate during the incident, trapping those inside.
Responding police officers arrived at the scene following a distress call and managed to arrest the suspect on site.
He has been identified as 39-year-old Okello Christopher Onyum and is currently in custody undergoing interrogation.
Preliminary findings confirm that four minors, all pupils at the daycare centre, lost their lives in the attack. Police identified the victims as Eteku Gideon, a two-year-old boy; Kaise Alungat, a two-year-old girl; Ignatius Sserwange, a three-year-old boy; and Ryan Odeke, a two-year-old boy.
Several other children are believed to have sustained injuries, although authorities have yet to release details on their condition.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with investigators working to establish the suspect’s background and any possible triggers.
Outside the church compound, tensions ran high as distraught parents and residents gathered in large numbers, demanding justice.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and anguish, with some members of the public attempting to attack the suspect before police intervened.
Security personnel fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent mob justice.
Senior police officials, including Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba and Director of Operations AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, visited the scene as part of ongoing investigations.
The Uganda Police Force has condemned the attack and extended condolences to the affected families, assuring the public that efforts are underway to ensure a thorough investigation and accountability.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with such violence—particularly targeting very young children—considered rare.
Authorities have called for calm as investigations continue, urging the public to allow due process while prayers and support are offered to the grieving families.
