KAMPALA, Uganda — The community of Ggaba in Makindye Division is in deep mourning after a horrific attack at a local nursery school left four innocent toddlers dead on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
According to police, a man armed with a machete and knives gained access to the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program School by pretending to be a parent interested in enrolling a child. He had reportedly visited the school a few days earlier to make enquiries.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly locked the gate, entered the classroom area where young children were present, and brutally stabbed four toddlers aged between one and three years old. The victims have been identified as Ignatius Seryange, Keisha Alungat, Gideon Oteko, and Odeka Rayan.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as teachers and staff tried to protect the children. Ten other toddlers were safely evacuated and reunited with their families. The attacker was overpowered and arrested by an angry crowd of parents and residents before being handed over to police.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire confirmed the incident, describing it as a “tragic and brutal attack.” Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind this senseless act. No immediate link to terrorism or any known group has been established.
Parents and residents of Ggaba gathered at the school premises, many in tears, demanding answers and better security at early childhood centers. “These were babies… just babies,” one distraught mother told local journalists. The attack has sent shockwaves across Kampala, with many questioning how such a tragedy could happen in what is supposed to be a safe learning environment for young children.
President Yoweri Museveni and other leaders have sent condolences to the grieving families. Security has been heightened around schools in the area as authorities work to reassure parents.
This heartbreaking incident has left the entire nation asking difficult questions about safety, mental health, and protection of the most vulnerable members of society. Counseling services are being arranged for surviving children, teachers, and affected families.
As Uganda mourns these four little angels taken too soon, the police have appealed to anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward. For now, Ggaba — and the whole country — is united in grief and disbelief.
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