Shock as thugs break into Bank of Uganda, steal key equipment

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects struck in the early hours of Monday, gaining access through a gate opposite City Square before entering the bank’s commercial offices, where they reportedly spent nearly three hours undetected.

Bank of Uganda headquarters in Kampala (Photo/Courtesy)

Kampala, Uganda: Thugs broke into the heavily guarded headquarters of the Bank of Uganda in the city centre and made off with seven laptops in a daring overnight operation that investigators now suspect involved insider collusion.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects struck in the early hours of Monday, gaining access through a gate opposite City Square before entering the bank’s commercial offices, where they reportedly spent nearly three hours undetected.

According to investigators, the attackers used duplicated keys to access the premises without forcing entry,raising suspicion of internal assistance.

Sources say the gang was able to disable internet systems, vandalise surveillance infrastructure, and move freely within the building.

Security equipment, including a CCTV server and an internet router valued at approximately UGX 50 million, was also stolen. However, the suspects failed to access the bank’s cash safe despite attempts to locate strong room keys.

Trail Leads to Downtown Kampala

Police recovered CCTV footage showing five individuals forcing their way through internal burglar-proof doors during the operation.

A team from Uganda Police Force, supported by sniffer dogs, tracked a scent trail from the scene to Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza in downtown Kampala, where security agencies later carried out a coordinated operation.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed arrests during the intelligence-led crackdown. “We have arrested over 20 suspects and recovered some items which will aid investigations,” she said.

However, she declined to confirm whether the arrests were directly linked to the Bank of Uganda break-in.

BoU speaks out

The central bank, in a public notice issued Monday afternoon, confirmed the incident, stating that unlawful entry was detected early Monday morning. “Seven laptops were stolen overnight. The matter is under investigation, and we are working closely with security agencies,” the Monday statement read.

BoU assured the public that its core operations remain unaffected, insisting that business continues as normal.

Investigators are also examining a possible lapse in security after reports that two counter-terrorism guards abandoned their posts before the morning shift arrived.

The breach was reportedly discovered by an incoming guard, prompting immediate reporting to authorities. “The night shift security team has been summoned to record statements and assist with investigations,” a police source said.

The incident has raised serious questions about internal security protocols at one of the country’s most sensitive financial institutions, with detectives now probing whether a wider network may have been involved.