A horrific morning attack at a Kampala early childhood education center has left East Africa reeling, after a suspected assailant stabbed four young children to death in what Ugandan police have described as an unspeakably brutal act.
The victims, three boys and one girl between two and three years old, died at the scene immediately following the assault, according to national police spokesperson Racheal Kawala. Investigators confirmed the attacker used multiple bladed weapons to carry out the violence at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program School, located in Kampala’s upscale Ggaba suburb.
Police have taken a 39-year-old male suspect into custody for questioning, following a chaotic scene where enraged parents who had rushed to the school after hearing news of the attack attempted to lynch the suspect before law enforcement intervened. As of Tuesday (local time), investigations are still ongoing to uncover the attacker’s motive, full background, and any additional details connected to the crime.
Kawala shared that the suspect had recently visited the nursery school to inquire about enrolling a child, and was instructed to return on Thursday. He completed the admission payment before turning on the young children, launching the fatal attack before 11 a.m. local time (8 a.m. GMT). First responders were alerted via an emergency distress call and arrived at the campus within minutes.
In total, 14 children were present at the school at the time of the attack. The remaining 10 unharmed children have all been safely returned to their families. Forensic investigators remain on site processing evidence, while the campus remains cordoned off by law enforcement. By sunset, a heavy, somber mood hung over the area, where distraught parents, anxious community members, and shaken school staff had gathered throughout the day.
Uganda’s Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba visited the attack site shortly after the incident, and issued a public statement urging citizens to remain calm as the investigation progresses. He added that official updates on the case will be released to the public as more information is confirmed.
The shocking, senseless killing of young children at a learning facility has sent immediate shockwaves across Uganda, sparking urgent new conversations and widespread public concern over the safety of students and young learners across the East African nation.