One of the administrators of Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre points to blood stains at the scene where four toddlers were stabbed to death as the Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo (in black court) who had visited the kindergarten on April 3, 2026 looks on.
- The suspect, only identified as Christopher Okello Onyu, 39, is in police custody.
- Police identified the victims as Gideon Eteku, Alungat Kaise, Ignatius Sserwange, and Ryan Odeke, all aged about two years.
Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered for the immediate closure of Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre in Kampala and its two sister schools, following the Thursday morning attack, in which a man stormed the kindergarten and stabbed to death four toddlers.
According to government, only Ggaba Community Church which runs the education facilities, will be allowed to operate as investigations into the April 3, 2026 gruesome killings go on.
In a directive issued by Minister of State for Higher education JC Muyingo, parents and guardians have been instructed to urgently pick their children from the school, including those in the nursery, primary, and high school sections.
The Day Care Management has also been directed to compile and submit a comprehensive report detailing the events that culminated in the deaths, as they record statements with the police to aid ongoing investigations.
The suspect, only identified as Christopher Okello Onyu, 39, is in police custody.
Police identified the stabbed Juveniles as Gideon Eteku, Alungat Kaise, Ignatius Sserwange, and Ryan Odeke, all aged about two years.
Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo, who visited the scene of crime on Friday afternoon (April 3) ordered for the closure of the kindergarten in question, Maranatha High School and Maranatha Christian Primary School, all managed by Ggaba Community Church.
Dr Muyingo directed that the parents of the affected schools should pick their children with immediate effect.
“I wish to direct as follows; in line with guidance from security agencies and the Makindye Education Office, the Parents should immediately pick their children from school (including the nursery, primary and the high school). The daycare management should provide a comprehensive report on the events that culminated into the demise of the said children and make statements to the police. The centre should close with immediate effect until further notice,” the minister directed after the management of the affected facilities narrated the ordeal to him as he inspected the scene of crime, which was still dotted with dry blood stains, shuttered windows and broken toys scattered all over the compound.
The management of Ggaba Community Church was represented by its spokesperson, Ms Jacqueline Sewava and a board member, Mr Stanley Okecho.
Dr. Muyingo revealed that the government has commenced a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the attack that sent shockwaves in the entire country and beyond.
“The findings will guide the government in strengthening security measures across all educational institutions in the country, so as to better safeguard our children and prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.
He also pledged government support to the affected teachers, staff and the other children who survived the attack.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo (R) with,Mr Stanley Okecho a board member and lawyer of the School.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo talking to journalists. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo talking to journalists. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
The Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo talking to journalists. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
“To the children, teachers, and staff of this school, I know fear and shock may still linger. Please know that you are not alone. We are putting in place immediate psychological support and counseling services to help everyone cope with this trauma. The safety and well-being of every child in our schools remains our highest priority,” he explained before promising government support to the bereaved families.
Ms Sewava said a special service would be held at the church to honour the deceased toddlers.
Mr Okecho said the facility started as a rehabilitation centre for malnourished children but was later transformed into and Early Childhood Education (ECE) where needy children are enrolled on sponsorship through Africa Renewal Ministries while the daycare mainly caters for the children of the staff members.
A patrol Pick-Up is seen with Soldiers and Police Officers is seen at the Scene of crime. Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
MESSAGE BY THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS – GGABA SCHOOL
