Dozens Arrested in Connection with BOU Stolen Laptop, computers

By Abraham Lincolns | Kampala

Police in Kampala central arrested and detained a number of suspects allegedly in connection of stolen laptop, computers from Bank of Uganda and other mobile phone networks from individuals and companies.

The security forces made a crackdown targeting major commercial buildings in central Kampala including Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, City House, and Kalungi Plaza where suspected individuals are accused of dealing in stolen mobile phones and computers.

In a public notice issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, the central bank confirmed to the public that the breach was detected at its head office located at Plot 45, Kampala Road near City Square.

“The Bank of Uganda (BOU) wishes to inform the general public that an incident of unlawful entry was detected this morning at its Head Office premises at Plot 45, Kampala Road… The incident is believed to have occurred overnight, during which seven laptop computers were stolen,” the statement read.

The bank added that it is working with security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the break-in. “The matter is currently under investigation, and the BoU is working closely with the relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and to take appropriate action,” the statement added.

Armed security personnel maintained a heavy presence around the affected buildings throughout the operation, allowing only authorized access as businesses and offices inside remained temporarily disrupted.

By the time of reporting, officials had not issued an official statement on the total number of arrests or the specific charges to be preferred against the suspects. The crackdown also comes amid growing concern over urban theft and the illegal resale of mobile devices in Kampala’s central business district, where security agencies have in recent months intensified operations targeting suspected criminal networks operating within commercial premises.

The situation in the area remained tense but calm as the operation conducted with security forces maintaining a presence around the buildings. The operation comes following earlier media reports that unknown assailants broke into the Bank of Uganda headquarters in Kampala and stole seven laptops in an overnight incident prompting a joint security investigations..

In it’s official statement the BOU authorities further assured the public that operations remain unaffected, noting that core banking services continue to function normally despite the security breach.

“The BoU assures the public that its core operations and services remain fully functional and have not been disrupted by this incident,” it added. The incident triggered a major security response in central Kampala, with police and military units sealing off several downtown buildings including Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, Kalungi Plaza, and City House as part of a coordinated recovery operation targeting suspected stolen items.

Several suspects were arrested in the crackdown.

In late 2024, investigations into a major financial systems breach at the central bank led to multiple arrests across government institutions and heightened scrutiny of insider involvement in cyber-enabled theft cases.

In earlier incidents, the institution has also reported internal theft cases, including pilferage of cancelled currency stock and disciplinary actions against staff, underscoring a recurring vulnerability within sensitive operational areas of the central bank.

Security agencies have not yet confirmed whether the latest break-in is linked to any internal actors or external criminal networks. Investigations are ongoing.