KAMPALA, Uganda — Police are investigating a pre-dawn attack in Kalungu Bunga, Ggaba Parish, Makindye Division, in which two children were killed, three others injured and a Toyota Hiace vehicle set on fire.
The incident occurred at about 4:00am on Thursday, August 20, 2026, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Police said a housemaid was awakened by an alarm and cries for help coming from the main house. When she went to check, she found several children with serious injuries and immediately raised the alarm.
The maid opened the house and found the children suffering from severe stab wounds.
Khadija Daizy, 14, was found dead in her bedroom, while Hawa Dalena, 7, later died while receiving treatment at Nsambya Hospital, Police said.
Three other children, aged 13, eight and five, survived the attack and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Police have identified Namayo Dorothy, 43, a Kenyan national and mother of the victims, as the suspect in the case. She was also found injured during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital under police guard.
The incident also involved an arson attack.
A Toyota Hiace parked at the premises was set on fire and completely destroyed. Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded and extinguished the fire.
Investigators recovered a jerrycan suspected to have contained petrol from the scene.
Police said detectives from the homicide unit, Scene of Crime Officers and fire and rescue personnel visited the scene, examined the premises and documented evidence. Several exhibits were recovered and have been submitted for forensic examination.
The bodies of Khadija and Hawa were taken to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Police said statements have been recorded from the person who reported the incident and other relevant witnesses as investigators work to establish exactly what happened and the motive behind the attack.
The suspect remains under police guard at Mulago as investigations continue.
The case has been registered at Kabalagala Police Division as murder, attempted murder and arson.
Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said investigations are ongoing.
Police have not disclosed what may have triggered the attack, and no conclusion has been made regarding the suspect’s motive or the circumstances in which she sustained injuries.
