Four Children Killed in Nursery School Attack in Uganda

Author: Sheetal Frank

April 10, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns acts of violence against children, especially attacks in educational settings, as every child has the right to life and live freely without the fear of violence and harm, as highlighted under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We call for Ugandan authorities to investigate thoroughly and bring justice for the families. We urge the government to implement strict measures to prevent further attacks on children in schools.

Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme school in Kampala, Uganda [Image Credit: Uganda Police Force via X, Aljazeera]

Four children were killed in a stabbing attack at a nursery school in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, on April 2, 2026. The Ugandan police have confirmed the incident at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme school, where a 39-year-old male suspect fatally stabbed and killed four children, three boys and one girl aged between two and three years old.

According to reports, the suspect had recently visited the school to enquire about enrolment for a child and, after submitting the admission fees, he later carried out the attack leading to the deaths of four children.

A statement from the Ugandan Police Force posted on X  (formerly known as Twitter) has confirmed the suspect is currently under interrogation as “investigations continue to establish his motive, background and any other relevant circumstances”.

UNICEF published a press release by the representative to Uganda, Dr. Robin Nandy, to address the recent attacks against the children, offering their condolences and sympathies to the affected families. UNICEF stands in unity and condemns these attacks, calling for urgent action for the safety of children, saying that “Every child in Uganda has the fundamental right to learn, play and grow in environments that are safe and protective”. The organisation aims to support the government of Uganda to strengthen child protection systems and provide psychosocial support to the traumatised children, parents and school communities.

In a statement shared by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Judiciary to fast-track the trial of the prime suspect and ensure the proceedings are conducted within the community where the crime occurred, allowing residents to witness the trial. The investigation is still ongoing to determine the motive of the attacker, who remains in custody.

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Glossary

• Condolences- To express sympathy and sadness to a family relative or friend who has lost a loved one.

• Custody- A person being detained or held in prison or police station after being arrested. 

• Educational Settings- Learning facilities including nurseries, primary or secondary schools, colleges and universities.

• Enrolment -To register the child to attend nursery and become a student.

• Fast-Track-  To speed up the process to achieve something quickly. 

• Interrogation- The process of asking questions by law enforcements to get answers to investigate the crime.

• Judiciary- The part of a country’s government that is responsible for its legal systems and consists of judges and courts.

• Motive- The reason behind an action carried out. 

• Nursery School-  An educational setting for children between the ages of three to five where they learn and play to prepare them for primary school.

• Proceedings-  A series of events involving a set procedure.

• Psychosocial support- A form of therapy to support people and communities facing crisis,trauma or illness. 

• Stabbing- To thrust someone with a sharp object or a knife with the intention to wound or kill.

• Trial- Judgement of a case, with evidence presented in court to come to a verdict.

• Traumatised- A distressing event causing a shock to the individual which can be difficult to cope with. 

• UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)- A UN agency established in 1946 to provide humanitarian aid to children and mothers and defend their rights.

• Unity- To join in agreement for a cause.

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child- An international treaty outlining rights of every human under 18 including the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

• UNICEF Representative to Uganda- This role is currently held by Dr. Robin Nandy who is responsible for overseeing UNICEF’s programmes to protect child rights focusing on education, health and child development.

• Witness-  A person who has seen something happen such as a crime or a court trial.

• X- was previously known as Twitter.