By Ben Musanje
Following the tragic incident at a Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, government has temporarily closed the facility and its two sister schools owned by Ggaba Community Church’s Pastor Peter Kasiriivu. The closure follows the brutal killing of four young children—Keisha Alungat, Gideon Oteko, Ryan Odeka, and Ignatius Seruyange, all aged between one and two-and-a-half years.
State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo visited the scene to assess the situation, meet with staff, parents, and church officials, and understand the events that led to the tragedy. Speaking to the public, Muyingo expressed profound sorrow and offered condolences to the families and the wider community.
“I stand before you today with a heavy heart, deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of four young innocent lives,” Muyingo said. “No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and no school should become a scene of such violence. Young children deserve to be protected, and the nation mourns with you.”
During the visit, church officials walked the Minister through how the incident unfolded. They explained that the suspect, Christopher Okello Onyum, had previously visited the facility posing as a parent interested in enrolling a child. On the day of the attack, Onyum gained access, locked the gate, and used a knife to attack the children during playtime. Caretakers rushed to intervene, sustaining injuries, and were able to subdue the suspect before handing him over to police.
Muyingo confirmed that Onyum is in the hands of the authorities and that the law will take its course. He commended the swift action of the daycare staff and local community members who intervened to prevent further loss of life.
The Minister also addressed public concerns about the daycare’s registration and oversight. He confirmed that the center is a registered institution under the Kampala Capital City Authority and is subject to routine inspections, emphasizing that its temporary closure is necessary while investigations continue.
He instructed parents to immediately withdraw their children from the facility and directed church management to provide a comprehensive report on the events leading up to the tragedy. “We must understand why and how this happened so that we can prevent it from happening again,” Muyingo said.
In addition to security measures, the Minister emphasized the importance of psychological support. Counseling services are being made available for children, staff, and families affected by the trauma. “You are not alone,” he said. “The Ministry of Education and Sports is committed to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring the well-being of all children in our schools.”
The Minister further announced that the government has commenced a broader review of safety protocols in educational institutions nationwide. Findings from this review will guide administrative actions to strengthen security and safeguard children across the country.
As he toured the scene, Muyingo acknowledged the bravery of the daycare staff who confronted the attacker. He also described the deep grief of the families, noting that the entire nation shares in their pain. “May the souls of our sons and daughters rest in eternal peace,” he said. “They will never be forgotten, for good and for my country.”
The closure of the daycare, the ongoing investigation, and the Minister’s visit underscore the government’s commitment to addressing this tragedy and ensuring that all schools provide a safe environment for children. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
