The Clinical Psychologists Association of Uganda (CPAU) has condemned the deadly attack at a daycare centre in Kampala that left four young children dead as a “brutal act of violence, which has caused profound psychological trauma to pupils, teachers, parents, and the wider community.”
In a statement dated Saturday, 4 April, 2026, CPAU emphasised that schools are meant to be safe environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive, warning that such incidents deeply disrupt that sense of safety and can have longstanding emotional and psychological effects.
“An incident of this nature shatters that sense of safety and can have lasting effects on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of those directly and indirectly affected. Exposure to such traumatic events can lead to acute stress reactions, anxiety, fear, confusion, sleep disturbances, and longer-term psychological challenges such as post-traumatic stress, especially among young children whose brains are still developing,” the statement read.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at the Ggaba Early Childhood Day Care Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala. Police say a man identified as Christopher Okello Anyu gained access to the school premises by posing as a parent seeking to enrol a child.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, SP Racheal Kawala, the suspect initially approached the school administration and inquired about the fees structure. He was given a circular and reportedly asked to return at a later time.
“Preliminary findings indicate the suspect came to this place seeking admission and was told to return to the school today. He paid for admission before proceeding to attack the children,” SP Kawala said.
After leaving the office, the suspect reportedly entered a classroom with 14 pupils and carried out the attack, ending the lives of four children.
The deceased have been identified as Ryan Odeke, aged one and a half years, Gideon Eteko, aged two and a half years, Keisha Elungat, aged two, and Ignatius Sseruyange, aged two.
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the attacker moved swiftly from the office into a nearby classroom before carrying out the assault.
“He asked about the school fees structure and was given a circular before he moved out of the office and entered into one of the nearby classrooms which had 14 pupils. He then started attacking the pupils, killing four instantly,” the eyewitness said.
Following the incident, tensions escalated as members of the public gathered at the scene and attempted to lynch the suspect. Police intervened and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and secure his arrest.
SP Kawala confirmed that the suspect has since been apprehended and that investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the killings.
“The suspect has been apprehended and the motive behind the killings is still under investigation,” she said.
Following a visit to the school on Friday, State Minister for Education John Chrysostom Muyingo ordered the immediate closure of all schools operating under the Maranatha education programme, which includes three schools managed by Ggaba Community Church—namely, Ggaba Early Development Program, Ggaba Primary School, and Ggaba Secondary School—adding that, “a comprehensive report on what transpired must be submitted without delay.”
CPAU extended its deepest condolences to the families who lost their children and expressed solidarity with those whose children were injured and are currently receiving care, as well as pupils, school staff, and parents grappling with grief, fear, and uncertainty.
In response, the association announced that it will work with other professional bodies, partners, and relevant entities to provide immediate distress-relieving care and psychosocial support. This will include Psychological First Aid (PFA), trauma-informed interventions, and referral pathways for continued mental health care where necessary.
“As a professional body, the Clinical Psychologists Association of Uganda remains committed to supporting affected communities through provision of mental health and psychosocial services, technical guidance, and public education on coping with trauma,” the statement read.
The association further called for urgent and coordinated action to ensure all affected individuals receive appropriate psychosocial support, and that schools are equipped to respond to trauma in a safe, structured, and compassionate manner.
It also urged relevant authorities to conduct thorough investigations and strengthen safety measures to ensure the protection of children in all learning environments
