Bank of Uganda theft investigations are underway after burglars reportedly broke into the central bank’s headquarters in Kampala and stole seven laptops in a high-profile security breach that triggered a massive joint security operation.
The incident occurred at the Bank of Uganda Head Office on Kampala Road during the early hours of May 4, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Security agencies later launched extensive searches across several buildings in downtown Kampala as investigators attempted to recover the stolen devices and identify the suspects involved.
Bank of Uganda theft targets liaison offices
Sources at the central bank said the stolen laptops were taken from offices used by commercial liaison officers located in the basement section of the building.
Officials confirmed that the break-in was discovered Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and national security agencies.
“Yes, we had a break-in and seven laptops were stolen,” a source at the bank reportedly confirmed.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at one of Uganda’s most sensitive financial institutions.
Heavy security deployment in Kampala
Following the Bank of Uganda theft, police and military personnel conducted a large-scale operation in downtown Kampala.
The operation involved officers from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Defence Intelligence and Security, and the Internal Security Organisation.
Investigators deployed sniffer dogs to track the suspects, with the search reportedly leading security teams to several commercial buildings including Kalungi Plaza, Kirumira Towers, and Mutaasa Kafeero buildings.
Security personnel sealed off the affected premises for several hours while searches were carried out. People inside the buildings were temporarily restricted from leaving as officers combed through shops and offices for evidence and suspected stolen property.
Several individuals suspected of involvement in trading stolen mobile phones were reportedly arrested during the operation.
Central bank confirms investigation
In an official statement issued later in the evening, the central bank acknowledged the security breach and confirmed investigations were ongoing.
Bank officials said they were working closely with security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate course of action.
The bank also sought to reassure the public that the break-in had not disrupted core banking operations or financial services.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether sensitive financial data or confidential information may have been compromised during the incident.
Security concerns grow after Bank of Uganda theft
The Bank of Uganda theft has sparked widespread public discussion about security systems at major financial institutions and government facilities.
The central bank plays a critical role in Uganda’s financial system, including monetary policy management, regulation of commercial banks, and oversight of national financial stability.
Analysts say the theft could lead to tighter internal security measures, increased digital protection systems, and enhanced surveillance protocols at key government installations.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing, with security agencies expected to continue reviewing evidence collected from the scene and surrounding buildings in Kampala.
