Over 20 suspects arrested after daring Bank of Uganda break-in

KAMPALA: More than 20 suspects have been arrested following a daring break-in at the Bank of Uganda (BoU) headquarters in Kampala, where thugs allegedly stole seven laptops in a carefully coordinated overnight operation.

According to preliminary police investigations, the suspects are believed to have worked in collaboration with some staff members and part of the security team guarding the premises. They reportedly accessed the central bank building through the City Square-facing entrance, entered the commercial offices, and spent about three hours inside before walking away with the laptops.

Investigators said the attackers may have duplicated access keys, allowing them entry without forcing doors or breaking windows.

“The entry was not forced. There are indications that access was gained using duplicated or compromised keys,” a police source said.

The alleged internal collaboration is said to have given the suspects time to disable key systems, including disconnecting internet connectivity to disrupt monitoring and communication within the building.

Sources close to the investigation also revealed that the thugs made off with additional equipment, including a CCTV server and an internet router, collectively valued at about Shs 50 million. However, they reportedly failed to access the main strong room containing cash.

A police detective said the suspects vandalised CCTV cameras and office doors during the search for access to restricted areas.

“We have retrieved CCTV footage showing about five suspects entering the building through burglar-protected doors,” the detective said.

Following the incident, detectives from Central Police Station Kampala, supported by crime intelligence officers and sniffer dogs, visited the scene, documented evidence, and launched a manhunt.

The sniffer dogs reportedly trailed a scent leading investigators to Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza in downtown Kampala, prompting a coordinated security operation in the area.

Police subsequently cordoned off several buildings as they searched for the stolen laptops and other suspected exhibits.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Ms Patrick Onyango (acting through official briefings attributed to SSP Kawala), confirmed that an intelligence-led operation had led to multiple arrests and recoveries.

“We have arrested over 20 suspects and recovered some items which will help police in their investigations,” she said.

However, she declined to confirm whether the downtown operation was directly linked to the BoU break-in.

“I do not have the information that you are asking me,” she said.

Sources, however, indicated that BoU management had requested police to limit public communication on the matter as internal and criminal investigations continue in parallel.

Security concerns emerge

Security lapses are also under investigation, including reports that two counter-terrorism police guards on duty allegedly left before the morning shift reported for duty, creating a possible security gap.

The breach was discovered by a morning shift guard who immediately alerted senior security officers, who in turn reported the matter to Central Police Station Kampala.

“The night shift security team has been summoned to record statements and assist police in ongoing investigations,” a detective said.

BoU confirms break-in

Bank of Uganda has confirmed the incident, saying unlawful entry was detected at its head office at Plot 45, Kampala Road, near City Square.

In a statement, Director of Communications Mr Kenneth Egesa said the incident is believed to have occurred overnight, during which seven laptops were stolen.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and BoU is working closely with relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances and take appropriate action,” the statement reads.

BoU, however, assured the public that its core operations and services remain fully functional and were not affected by the break-in.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing as police probe possible insider involvement in one of the most sensitive security breaches at the central bank in recent years.