Mbale City Cuts Ties with Police Over Suspected Collusion in Theft, Hires Private Security

Mbale City Council has terminated police security services amid allegations that some police officers were complicit in the theft of valuable city assets, including computers, large flat-screen TVs, and a multimillion-shilling generator stolen from council premises.

Deputy Speaker Abdala Magambo revealed that despite filing formal complaints with the District Police Commander months ago, the police response has been silent and unsatisfactory.

“We expected Uganda Police to safeguard government property, but instead our assets were stolen under their watch,” Magambo said.

In response to what the council calls a “betrayal of trust,” a special council meeting chaired by Magambo, with the Town Clerk and Resident City Commissioner in attendance, resolved to replace police protection with a private security firm.

Magambo explained: “A private company would compensate us for any losses. Meanwhile, the police have been investigating for six months with no progress.”

He further disclosed that the two police officers responsible for guarding city property were briefly arrested but released on police bond, raising further concerns about accountability.

Insiders say some stolen equipment was last seen at City Hall before disappearing under suspicious circumstances.

The theft has ignited public outrage and demands for an independent probe.

Elgon Region Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed investigations are ongoing but did not provide further details.

Civil society groups and residents have praised the council’s decisive action and called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene, urging transparency and justice in the case.

This scandal underscores growing worries about impunity and lack of oversight within security agencies, especially in their relationship with local governments.