A man killed four young children in a machete attack at a nursery school in Uganda's capital on Thursday morning, police said.

The attack occurred before 11:00 a.m. local time at the Gaba Early Childhood Development Program school in the Ggaba parish of Makindye Division, an upmarket suburb of Kampala. The suspect, described as between 34 and 39 years old, had visited the school recently to inquire about enrolling a child and returned Thursday. He paid an admission fee, entered the premises disguised as a parent, engaged briefly with the administrator, then locked the gate and attacked the children in a classroom.

Police confirmed the victims were three boys and one girl, all aged about two or three years old. They died instantly from stab wounds. The other approximately 10 children at the school were unharmed and reunited with their parents. No other injuries were reported among staff or bystanders.

Officers responded to a distress call and arrested the suspect after an angry crowd gathered, attempting to lynch him. Police fired shots into the air to disperse the mob. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala stated, "He paid for admission [and] after that proceeded and attacked these children, killing four of them instantly."

The Uganda Police Force issued a statement on X describing the incident as a heinous crime and noting that investigations continue to determine the suspect's motive, background, and other circumstances. Police chief Abas Byakagaba visited the scene and urged calm. A motive remains unknown, and such attacks on children are rare in Kampala, home to roughly three million people.

The school was cordoned off, with police securing the area. Photos from the scene showed officers at the gate and security personnel nearby. Worried parents had gathered outside as news spread.

This shocking incident has horrified the community in the bustling capital. Authorities continue their probe as the nation mourns the loss of the young lives.