Bank of Uganda hit by brazen laptop theft

Security agencies have launched a massive manhunt after intruders bypassed security at the Bank of Uganda to steal seven laptops.
A bold security breach at the Bank of Uganda’s headquarters on Kampala Road has left officials scrambling after seven laptops were stolen from the premises.. The break-in, which occurred during the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026, targeted the offices of commercial liaison officers situated in the building’s basement.
Following the discovery of the theft, a coordinated task force involving the police, the military, and intelligence agencies descended on several downtown locations. Security teams utilized sniffer dogs to track the stolen equipment, leading them to three separate buildings within the city center.
This incident highlights significant vulnerabilities in the security protocols of high-profile financial institutions, raising concerns about how easily unauthorized individuals can access restricted areas within a central bank.
The search operation spanned nearly eight hours, during which authorities locked down Kalungi Plaza, Kirumira Towers, and Mutaasa Kafeero buildings. During these raids, police detained several individuals suspected of trading in stolen electronics, hoping to recover the missing hardware.
In a formal statement released Monday evening, the central bank confirmed the breach and noted that the situation was detected early in the day.. Management emphasized that they are cooperating fully with security agencies to determine exactly how the intruders managed to gain access to the basement offices.
Despite the scale of the police response, the bank moved quickly to reassure the public that its core operations remain stable. Officials stated that the theft has not interfered with the institution’s primary financial services or ongoing administrative functions.
Law enforcement continues to process items of evidential value collected from the scene.. While the investigation remains in its early stages, the intensity of the military and police presence across Kampala suggests a high-priority effort to reclaim the assets and apprehend those responsible for the audacious heist.
Ultimately, the ability of thieves to infiltrate such a secure location serves as a stark reminder that even the most protected facilities are not immune to criminal activity, necessitating a tightening of physical security measures moving forward.