A suspected inside operation is under investigation after intruders gained access to the heavily guarded Bank of Uganda headquarters in Kampala and stole several laptops along with critical equipment.
Investigators say the break in occurred in the early hours of Monday, with the attackers reportedly exploiting internal weaknesses to access the central bank’s commercial offices.
Preliminary findings suggest the group entered the premises through a gate near City Square and remained inside for close to three hours, during which they moved freely within the building before exiting with at least seven laptops.
Authorities believe the suspects used duplicated keys, allowing them to bypass forced entry and avoid raising immediate alarm. This has heightened suspicion of collusion involving insiders, including members of staff or security personnel.
During the operation, the intruders are said to have disabled internet connectivity and interfered with surveillance systems, effectively limiting real time monitoring.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that, in addition to the laptops, the group took off with key security infrastructure, including a CCTV server and an internet router estimated to be worth about Shs50 million. Attempts to access the bank’s cash reserves were unsuccessful.
Investigators say parts of the surveillance system were vandalised, although some footage was recovered. The recordings reportedly show a group of about five individuals forcing their way through secured sections of the premises.
Police teams from Central Police Station Kampala, supported by canine units, responded to the incident and tracked a scent trail to Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza in the city centre. The area was subsequently sealed off as officers conducted searches in nearby buildings.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala confirmed that the operation in the downtown area followed intelligence leads.
“We have arrested more than 20 suspects and recovered items that will aid the ongoing investigations,” she said.
