Africa-Press – Uganda. The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has said that the deadly attack at a daycare centre in Kampala that left four young children dead was “carried out by individuals devoid of conscience and humanity and must be strongly condemned”
“No one deserves to suffer such pain at the hands of another. We urge the authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice swiftly, so that the affected families can find closure and justice,” he wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the parents, the school community, and everyone affected during this very difficult time.”
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at Ggaba Early Childhood Day Care Centre in Makindye Division. Police say a man, later 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 stab the children,” SP Kawala said.
After leaving the office, the suspect reportedly entered a classroom with 14 pupils and launched the attack, fatally injuring 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, told on Thursday that 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 stabbing the pupils, killing four instantly,” the eyewitness said.
Following the attack, tensions escalated as members of the public gathered at the scene, attempting to lynch the suspect.
Police intervened and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the irate crowd and secure the suspect.
SP Kawala confirmed that the suspect has since been arrested 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.
