The assailant who stormed Gaba Early Childhood Development Programme Centre in Ggaba, Kampala, and hacked four children to death had reportedly visited the school two days earlier seeking admission for his child.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala identified the suspect as Christopher Okello Onyu, 34, a resident of Nwoya district, northern Uganda.
He allegedly gained access to the school on Thursday and attacked a group of 14 children, killing four (three boys and one girl). Police identified the deceased as Gideon Eteku, a male juvenile, aged 2 years, Kaise Alungat, female juvenile, aged 2, Ignatius Sserwange, male juvenile, 3, and Ryan Odeke, 2.
Their bodies were taken to Mulago City Mortuary for post-mortem examinations before being handed over to their families for burial. Preliminary police findings indicate that the suspect, who was armed with three knives, is currently detained at Kabalagala Police Division.
Investigators say he had visited the school two days earlier and requested admission for his child.
“The school asked him to return today [Thursday]. He came back with the admission fees [Shs 180,000], which he paid. After paying, he pretended to leave but instead changed direction, went to the seesaw where the children were playing, and began stabbing them,” Kawala said at the scene.
Police said the suspect was rescued from being lynched after officers, supported by the army, fired in the air to disperse an angry crowd that had gathered demanding mob justice.
Makindye deputy resident city commissioner Mark Bayingana questioned how the suspect managed to enter the premises undetected and access the children despite the presence of school security.
Some parents of surviving children expressed grief and shock. Karim Kazibwe said it was painful to see such young children killed, adding that more lives could have been lost had the suspect not been stopped.
Stanely Okecho, the school’s administrative lawyer, said management was cooperating with police to establish the motive behind the attack. He added that the school would remain temporarily closed as investigations continue. Inspector General of Police Abass Byakagaba, who visited the scene, called for calm as security agencies investigate the killings.
Onyu reportedly warned that even if he were killed, similar attacks would still be carried out against Ugandans.
