“In line with guidance from security agencies and the Makindye Education Office, all parents must collect their children immediately. The daycare management must provide a full account of the events and cooperate with the police,” Dr. Muyingo said.
The government has ordered the immediate closure of Maranatha Daycare Centre, Maranatha Christian Primary School, and Maranatha High School following the brutal killing of four toddlers on Thursday. All three institutions are managed by Ggaba Community Church.
Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, visited the crime scene on Friday, where he was confronted with blood-stained floors, shattered toys, and shuttered windows. He directed parents to immediately pick up their children and instructed school management to submit a detailed report to authorities.
“In line with guidance from security agencies and the Makindye Education Office, all parents must collect their children immediately. The daycare management must provide a full account of the events and cooperate with the police,” Dr. Muyingo said.
The minister announced that the government has launched a thorough investigation into the attack, pledging to strengthen security across all educational institutions to prevent future tragedies. He also promised immediate psychological support for surviving children, staff, and teachers, and government assistance for the bereaved families.
Ggaba Community Church representatives explained that the facility originally served as a rehabilitation center for malnourished children before becoming an Early Childhood Education center. The daycare caters primarily to staff children, while sponsorship programs support vulnerable children through Africa Renewal Ministries.
Ms. Jacqueline Sewava, the church spokesperson, said a special service would be held to honor the deceased toddlers.
The suspect, a 39-year-old Okello Christopher Onyum was arrested on Thursday, April 2, 2026, after police responded to a distress call at around 11:00 a.m. at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program in Ggaba Parish, Makindye Division.
The deceased children were identified as Eteku Gideon, a two-year-old boy; Kaise Alungat, a two-year-old girl; Ignatius Sserwange, a three-year-old boy; and Ryan Odeke, a two-year-old boy.
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