Uganda is reeling after a horrifying attack at an Early Childhood Development Program in Gaba left four young children dead. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through families, the local community, and the nation at large.
Authorities report that the suspect, 39-year-old Okello Christopher Onyum, initially visited the daycare a few days before the attack, requesting admission. Staff asked him to return on 3 April 2026, a day he later came back, paid the admission fees, and carried out the violent act.
The victims were three boys and one girl: two-year-olds Eteku Gideon, Kaise Alungat, Ryan Odeke, and three-year-old Ignatius Sserwange. Their deaths have left parents and neighbors devastated, struggling to comprehend the senselessness of the attack.
Residents of Ggaba were quick to respond, expressing anger and grief at the scene. The police and military arrived promptly, calming the crowd and preventing mob justice, while ensuring that Okello Christopher Onyum was taken into custody safely.
Okello remains under police detention as authorities continue their investigations. Law enforcement officials have vowed a full inquiry, emphasizing that justice will be pursued and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
The tragedy has drawn widespread attention from Uganda’s entertainment community. Celebrities have taken to social media to offer condolences and support to the grieving families, sharing messages of heartbreak and solidarity.
Among those expressing their sorrow publicly are Spice Diana, Chosen Becky, Rema Namakula, Juliana Kanyomozi, Maureen Nantume, Exodus, Vinka, Kataleya, and Kandle. Many used Instagram and other platforms to honor the children and appeal for justice and protection for all minors.
As the investigation continues, the nation mourns alongside the families. Communities and public figures alike are uniting in grief, sending a clear message that the safety of Uganda’s children must be a national priority and that such violent acts will not go unanswered.
