The community of Kampala is still in deep shock following a tragic attack that claimed the lives of four young children at a daycare center in Ggaba. The heartbreaking incident has left families grieving and raised many questions about safety and truth.
At the center of the response is Ggaba Community Church, which has firmly denied any connection between itself and the suspect, Christopher Okello Onyum. Church leaders have made it clear that the man was not part of their congregation or ministry.
According to the church, the suspect approached the Early Childhood Development Center pretending to be a parent. He reportedly showed interest in enrolling a child and was advised to return later to complete the process.
This approach made him appear normal and harmless. Staff at the center had no reason to suspect any danger at that time, which made the incident even more shocking.
When he returned the following day, the situation changed dramatically. The church says that what happened next was an unexpected and tragic act carried out by someone from outside their community.
The victims of this terrible incident were very young children. Their names—Keisha Alungat, Gideon Oteko, Odeka Ryan, and Ignitious Seruyange—have touched the hearts of many across the country.
Each of these children was between one and two-and-a-half years old. Their loss has brought immense pain not only to their families but also to caregivers, church members, and the wider public.
Jacqueline Ssewava, a spokesperson and board member of the church, spoke about the tragedy with deep emotion. She emphasized that there is no evidence linking the suspect to the church in any official way.
She also explained that the attack caused great suffering within the institution. Staff members who witnessed the incident are still trying to come to terms with what happened.
Despite the danger, some caretakers acted bravely. One caregiver was injured while trying to stop the attacker, showing courage and dedication to protecting the children.
Their quick response helped prevent even greater loss. Many believe that without their actions, the situation could have been far worse.
Authorities later arrested the suspect. He is now in custody as investigations continue, with both police and soldiers guarding the area to ensure safety.
The church has since focused on supporting the affected families. They have taken steps to help with burial arrangements and are offering ongoing care and assistance.
A memorial service has been planned at the church to honor the lives of the young victims. It is expected to bring together families, leaders, and community members in shared grief.
Legal representative Stanley Okecho also spoke about the matter. He stressed that the church has a long history of serving the community and caring for children.
He explained that the daycare center has been operating for over 20 years. It has mainly supported underprivileged children and families who need affordable childcare.
According to him, the church has always placed a strong focus on child welfare. Many children who attend the center come from difficult backgrounds and receive much-needed support.
He also addressed concerns about security. He noted that the facility is usually well supervised, with systems in place to ensure children are safe at all times.
This tragic event, he said, is the first of its kind in more than 30 years of the church’s work. He described it as a rare and unforeseen incident that no one expected.
Beyond the daycare, the church runs several other community programs. These include schools and support initiatives designed to improve the lives of local families.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on healing and supporting those affected. The church has once again repeated its message: they had no connection to the suspect, and their mission remains one of care, compassion, and service.
In this time of sorrow, the people of Kampala are coming together. While the pain is deep, there is also a shared determination to stand strong, seek truth, and protect the children who represent the future.
