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📷 Memorial service held for four slain children in Ggaba tragedy
The service drew religious leaders and local officials, including Kampala Lord Mayor-elect Ronald Balimwezo and Makindye East MP-elect Ali Nganda Mulyanyama.
A photo of the four children killed at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)
By: Stuart Yiga, Journalists @New Vision
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Grief hung heavy over Ggaba Community Church on Monday (April 6) as mourners gathered for a memorial service in honour of four young children brutally killed at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program.
The service drew religious leaders and local officials, including Kampala Lord Mayor-elect Ronald Balimwezo and Makindye East MP-elect Ali Nganda Mulyanyama.
Youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara represented President Yoweri Museveni on behalf of the central government.
Mourners in attendance for the memorial service. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)
(Credit: Stuart Yiga)
Speaking during the service, Peter Kasiriivu of Ggaba Community Church urged the public to support faith-based institutions and avoid blame in the wake of the tragedy.
“When such incidents happen, please encourage us, don't blame us,” he said, adding, “Keep helping the children. One thing we need to do is to tighten the security. We shall not give up.”
“Support the faith-based organisations. We're not competing with the government. When we come to you, please be our voice,” he added.
Leaders of Maranatha Schools, which oversees the Early Childhood Development Centre, also addressed mourners. The chairperson Board of Directors, Justice Erias Kakooza, said the incident had provided lessons on improving safety in their institutions, while extending sympathies to the bereaved families.
(Credit: Stuart Yiga)
(Credit: Stuart Yiga)
One of the Mourners being consoled by fellow mourners. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)
On behalf of security, Kabalagala Police Division commander, Superintendent of Police Syden Ayikoyo, called on private learning institutions to hire professional security personnel to help prevent similar incidents.
Those killed in the April 2, 2026, attack include Ryan Odeke (1.5 years old), Keisha Otim (2 years old), Gideon Eteko (2.5 years old) and Ignatius Sserunyange (2.5 years old).
Police continues to probe the motive behind the incident that has shocked the country, with the suspect Christopher Okello Onyum currently in custody.