Tragic Stabbing at Kampala Daycare Leaves Four Toddlers Dead

Shocking Attack at Ggaba Early Childhood Centre

A horrific incident unfolded at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme in Kampala’s Makindye Division, where a 34-year-old man stabbed four children aged two to three years old. The attack occurred around noon, leaving the community in shock.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect, Christopher Okello, entered the centre pretending to be a parent. He paid Shs180,000 in admission fees, chatted with staff, then approached the playing toddlers and suddenly attacked them with a sharp object, inflicting fatal wounds to their chests, necks, and abdomens.

The victims were identified as Kaise Alungat (2), Gideon Eteku (2), Ignatius Sserwange (3), and Ryan Odeke (2)—one girl and three boys. Residents quickly apprehended Okello as he tried to flee, alerting Ggaba Police Station. Officers fired warning shots to prevent lynching and took him to Kabalagala Police Station for interrogation.

Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba visited the scene, and spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the details, extending condolences and promising a thorough probe into the motive.

Widespread Condemnation and Calls for Action

State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara urged a full investigation, stating no child deserves such violence. The Ministry of Education condemned the ‘savage’ act and called for better safety standards in schools.

Leaders including Lord Mayor-elect Ronald Balimwezo, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, MP Derrick Nyeko, and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa expressed grief and demanded justice, with some pushing for the death penalty and revised security measures.

The incident highlights rising concerns over learner safety, following 4,238 homicide cases reported in 2025 per police data.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)