A wave of shock and grief has engulfed Kampala following a brutal attack that claimed the lives of four children at a daycare center in the suburb of Gaba on Thursday.
According to police, the deadly incident occurred at the Gaba Early Childhood Development Centre, where a man armed with a machete gained access to the premises and attacked young children, killing four on the spot.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly posed as a parent to gain entry into the facility before launching the attack. Once inside, he reportedly locked the gate, trapping victims and staff within the compound as the situation quickly turned tragic.
The suspect has since been arrested and is in police custody, with security agencies confirming that investigations are ongoing. By press time, police had not yet released the identity of the attacker or established a clear motive behind the killings.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that panic erupted at the scene as caregivers and nearby residents attempted to respond to the attack. An angry crowd later gathered, demanding justice and attempting to confront the suspect. Police were forced to intervene and reportedly fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd and restore order.
“This is a very unfortunate incident involving innocent children. Investigations are ongoing, and we shall provide more details as they emerge,” a police spokesperson said.
The tragic has sparked widespread concern among parents and the public over the safety of children in daycare and early learning centers. Many are now calling for stricter security protocols, including controlled access systems and better screening of visitors.
Security experts note that while violent attacks of this nature are relatively rare in Kampala, the incident exposes potential vulnerabilities in how some daycare centers manage access and safety procedures.
The bodies of the victims have been taken for postmortem examinations, while counseling support is expected to be extended to affected families and staff.
Ugandans across the country have taken to social media to express grief and solidarity with the bereaved families, as the nation comes to terms with one of the most disturbing attacks targeting children in recent memory.
ALSO READ: UN Report Links Uganda to South Sudan Airstrikes That Killed Civilians.
