KAMPALA, Uganda — Four toddlers—one girl and three boys—were fatally stabbed in an early-morning attack at a daycare centre in Kampala, police have said, as authorities launched investigations into the incident involving a knife-wielding suspect.
A 34-year-old man, identified by police as Christopher Okello Onyu, has been taken into custody, with investigators seeking to establish his motive and background in a case that has shocked communities across Uganda’s capital.
The attack took place at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme, a daycare facility in Makindye Division, where children aged between two and three had arrived before the start of the day’s activities.
Eyewitnesses told Vivid Voice News the man entered the school disguised as a parent, briefly speaking with an administrator before stepping outside, locking the gate behind him and repeatedly attacking children. Teachers immediately raised the alarm, trying to intervene and protect pupils.
“We confirm a tragic incident at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme School … where a male suspect brutally stabbed and killed four juveniles,” Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson Racheal Kawala said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “The suspect has been apprehended, and the motive behind the killings is still under investigation.”
Security personnel, including police and army officers, responded swiftly. A nearby church security guard initially restrained the man before police arrived and arrested him.
As tensions escalated at the scene, officers fired warning shots into the air to disperse an angry crowd that attempted to lynch the suspect.
Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, who visited the scene, appealed for calm and cooperation from the public.
“We call upon anyone with information about the suspect to give to police to aid in investigations,” IGP Byakagaba told journalists.
Suspect identified – Police confirm identity
New information released by police confirms that the knife‑wielding suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Christopher Okello Onyu.
Initial reports suggest the suspect was known to authorities for unrelated minor offences, and detectives are reviewing his recent movements, communications, and possible motives. Investigators have appealed to members of the public with additional information to come forward. (Investigation ongoing)
At least four children were confirmed killed, all toddlers aged around two to three years, making this one of Kampala’s most disturbing attacks in recent memory.
Parents gathered outside the school in anguish, searching for news of their children as civil society groups condemned the attack.
Local residents described a scene of disbelief and grief, with many expressing anger at what they called a preventable tragedy.
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“This should never happen in a place where parents trust their children will be safe,” one community member said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
While such violent attacks remain rare in Kampala, a city of roughly three million residents, the brutality of Thursday’s incident has reignited concerns over security around educational institutions.
Law enforcement officials say they are reviewing security vetting procedures for childcare facilities and urging greater coordination with parents and neighbourhood watch groups to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Uganda Police Force has also pledged to work with teachers, local leaders, and child protection organisations to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable young children and ensure rapid response measures are in place at schools and daycare centres nationwide.
