Grief and shock swept through Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program in Kampala on Thursday after a man violently attacked children at the school, leaving four of them dead.

According to reports, the suspect identified as 34 year-old Christopher Okello, gained access to the daycare centre by posing as a parent.

He briefly interacted with the administrator in charge before stepping outside, locking the gate, and launching a sudden attack on the children using a sharp weapon.

Teachers at the facility quickly raised the alarm, prompting the attacker to attempt an escape. However, a security guard from the nearby Ggaba Community Church managed to intervene, preventing him from fleeing the scene.

The incident sparked outrage among residents, who gathered at the school and attempted to confront the suspect. Police officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent mob justice.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody as investigations commenced. Authorities have not yet established the motive behind the attack.

Uganda’s Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators. He appealed to anyone with information that could assist the probe to come forward.

Police described the incident as a brutal attack on young children, noting that such cases are rare in Kampala, a city of approximately three million residents.