Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has strongly condemned the fatal stabbing of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Day Care Centre in Makindye Division, Kampala, describing the attack as deeply disturbing and calling for heightened vigilance in schools across the country.
The suspect, identified by police as Christopher Okello Anyu, 39, was arrested shortly after the Thursday afternoon incident and remains in custody as investigations continue into his motive and background.
According to Racheal Kawala, the victims 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.
In a statement posted on his X platform, Tayebwa said he was “deeply saddened by the disturbing incident today at an infants school in Ggaba where four innocent souls were stabbed to death. It is very, very disturbing.”
He commended security forces for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented further loss of life.
“I want to thank the security forces who swiftly responded before more kids lost their lives. With the culprit apprehended, I’m sure justice will be served. My heartfelt sympathies go to the families of these innocent souls, the school community and all those affected,” Tayebwa said.
Police preliminary findings indicate that the suspect gained access to the school by posing as a parent seeking to enrol a child.
He reportedly inquired about school fees, received admission information, and was asked to return later. However, he proceeded to enter a classroom with about 14 pupils and began attacking the children with a knife.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the suspect “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… He then started stabbing the pupils, killing four instantly.”
The witness added that police officers fired bullets in the air to disperse an irate mob that had gathered and attempted to lynch the suspect following his arrest.
Kawala confirmed that the suspect had made payment for admission before carrying out the attack, a detail investigators are examining closely as they work to establish intent and possible premeditation.
The bodies of the deceased children were taken to Mulago City Mortuary for post-mortem examinations, while the 10 surviving pupils were safely handed over to their parents.
Tayebwa urged schools and the public not to treat the incident as isolated, but as a wake-up call to strengthen child protection measures.
“My prayer is that we don’t take this as a mere isolated incident but rather a reminder to revise safety measures at our schools. May the souls of the innocent rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The attack has triggered widespread concern over security at early childhood learning centres, particularly regarding access control and visitor screening.
Police say investigations are ongoing and have appealed to the public for any information that could aid in understanding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
