Museveni orders fast-track trial in Ggaba daycare toddler killings

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Judiciary to fast-track proceedings against the suspect in the killing of four toddlers in Ggaba, with plans to hold the trial within the affected community. The directive follows last week’s attack at a daycare centre in Kampala that left the country in shock as cited by Monitor report.

According to judicial officials, the case could be among the first major civilian trials conducted under Uganda’s newly operational mobile court system, which allows proceedings to take place closer to where crimes occur. The framework was formally introduced through Legal Notice No. 1 of 2026, gazetted in March to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.

Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo relayed the President’s message, emphasizing that the trial should be handled quickly and in the community where the incident happened so that residents can witness the justice process. The approach reflects a shift toward people-centered justice delivery, particularly in areas without nearby High Court facilities.

The attack occurred at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme, where the suspect allegedly fatally stabbed four children aged between one and two years. Authorities say another child was injured during the incident, while police moved swiftly to arrest the suspect shortly after the killings.

The Judiciary has indicated that the mobile court mechanism will help expedite proceedings, especially in locations like Ggaba that lack permanent High Court infrastructure. Officials say hearings can be conducted in temporary venues such as public buildings or other designated spaces.

Religious and community leaders have also weighed in on the incident, with calls for justice to be delivered swiftly and for strict handling of suspects accused of serious crimes. The case has intensified national debate over public safety and judicial responsiveness in high-profile criminal matters.

The mobile court initiative, recently introduced by Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, is designed to bring court services closer to underserved communities, including remote districts and urban areas with limited judicial access. While commonly used in military justice, its application in civilian criminal trials remains relatively new in Uganda.

Authorities say the Ggaba case will test the effectiveness of the system as the country seeks faster, more accessible justice mechanisms in response to public demand.