Police in Nakasongola District are investigating a bank break-in at FINCA Uganda’s Nakasongola branch that left the institution nearly Shs192.6 million poorer.
The heist, which occurred around 7am on Tuesday, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security at financial institutions in rural areas.
According to Sam Twiineamazima, spokesperson for the Savannah Regional Police, unknown individuals broke into the bank and made off with Shs192,587,800 in cash, two laptops, and other yet-to-be-identified items.
“The bank was under the protection of SGA Security, with two guards assigned to both day and night duty,” Twiineamazima noted, without clarifying whether the guards were present during the robbery.
The matter was reported by branch manager Fred Kamurasi, who discovered the break-in early Tuesday morning and alerted authorities.
A case of bank breaking and theft has since been registered.
Twiineamazima confirmed that four suspects have been arrested to assist in the investigation, but their identities remain undisclosed as inquiries continue.
While it is still unclear how the criminals bypassed security and accessed the premises, police say investigations are underway to establish the sequence of events and determine whether there was any internal collusion or negligence.
The incident has reignited debate over the reliability of private security firms guarding high-risk establishments such as banks, especially in upcountry towns.
Police are appealing to the public to share any information that may aid in the investigation by contacting the nearest police station.