Kampala Nursery Attack: Suspect Who Sought Admission Kills Four Children in Ggaba School Rampage
Kampala — A tragic attack at a nursery school in Ggaba has left four children dead, sending shockwaves across Uganda’s capital and raising urgent concerns about safety in early childhood education centres.
According to police, the suspect — identified as 34-year-old Christopher Okello Onyum from Nwoya District — had reportedly visited the school two days earlier seeking admission for his child before carrying out the deadly assault.
The incident occurred at Gaba Early Childhood Development Programme Centre, where the assailant allegedly returned on Thursday, paid Shs 180,000 in admission fees, and pretended to leave the premises. Authorities say he then changed direction, approached a playground area where children were playing, and launched a violent knife attack.
Uganda Police Force spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that the suspect, armed with three knives, attacked a group of 14 children, killing four — three boys and one girl.
The victims have been identified as Gideon Eteku (2), Kaise Alungat (2), Ignatius Sserwange (3), and Ryan Odeke (2). Their bodies were taken to Mulago City Mortuary for post-mortem examinations before being handed over to their families for burial.
Police say the suspect is currently detained at Kabalagala Police Division as investigations continue.
Authorities revealed that the attacker was nearly lynched by an angry crowd following the incident. Security forces, including the army, intervened and fired warning shots in the air to disperse residents demanding mob justice.
Makindye Deputy Resident City Commissioner Mark Bayingana questioned how the suspect managed to access the school and reach the children despite existing security measures.
Parents and community members have expressed deep grief and outrage. One parent of a surviving child described the incident as devastating, noting that more lives could have been lost had the attacker not been stopped in time.
The school’s administrative lawyer, Stanely Okecho, confirmed that management is cooperating fully with investigators to establish the motive behind the attack. The institution has since been temporarily closed.
Inspector General of Police Abass Byakagaba, who visited the scene, urged the public to remain calm as security agencies carry out thorough investigations.
Preliminary reports indicate the suspect made disturbing remarks suggesting that similar attacks could occur, further heightening public concern.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter security protocols in schools, particularly those handling young children, as authorities work to prevent such tragedies in the future.
