Over 20 suspects have been arrested after a planned overnight break-in at the Bank of Uganda headquarters in Kampala, where thieves managed to steal seven laptops without forcing their way into the building.
Early investigations suggest the operation was not random. Police believe the suspects may have worked with insiders, including some staff members and part of the security team, allowing them to access the highly restricted premises through the City Square-facing entrance. Once inside, they reportedly moved into the commercial offices and spent nearly three hours within the building before leaving with the stolen items.
What has stood out to investigators is that there were no signs of forced entry. Instead, the suspects are believed to have used duplicated or compromised keys to gain access.
“The entry was not forced. There are indications that access was gained using duplicated or compromised keys,” a police source said.
With this level of access, the suspects were able to interfere with critical systems inside the bank.
Investigators say internet connectivity was deliberately disrupted, likely to limit communication and monitoring, while CCTV systems were also targeted to reduce the chances of being tracked.
In addition to the laptops, sources say the group took a CCTV server and an internet router, with the stolen equipment estimated to be worth about Shs50 million. Despite the breach, the attackers did not gain access to the bank’s strong room, where cash is stored.
A police detective said the suspects appeared to be searching for more sensitive areas, damaging CCTV cameras and office doors in the process.
“We have retrieved CCTV footage showing about five suspects entering the building through burglar-protected doors,” the detective said.
The break-in was discovered in the morning when a security guard on the next shift noticed irregularities and alerted senior officers, who then informed police at Central Police Station in Kampala. This triggered a rapid response involving crime intelligence teams and sniffer dogs, which were used to track possible escape routes.
Investigators say the dogs followed a scent leading to Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza in downtown Kampala, prompting a wider security operation in the area. Several buildings were cordoned off as police searched for the stolen items and possible suspects.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, confirmed that multiple arrests had been made as part of the ongoing operation.
“We have arrested over 20 suspects and recovered some items which will help police in their investigations,” she said.
However, she declined to directly link the downtown operation to the bank break-in.
“I do not have the information that you are asking me,” she said.
Sources close to the case indicate that management at the Bank of Uganda has asked police to limit public communication while both internal and criminal investigations continue.
The incident has also raised concerns about possible security lapses. Investigators are looking into reports that two counter-terrorism police guards may have left their posts before being formally relieved, potentially creating a window that the suspects exploited.
“The night shift security team has been summoned to record statements and assist police in ongoing investigations,” a detective said.
The Bank of Uganda has since confirmed the incident, stating that an unlawful entry occurred overnight at its headquarters on Kampala Road near City Square.
“The matter is currently under investigation, and BoU is working closely with relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances and take appropriate action,” said Communications Director Kenneth Egesa.
The central bank has reassured the public that its core operations were not affected by the incident.
