Police have arrested a private security guard who had been on the run over the alleged theft of cash and gold worth more than Shs500 million.
The suspect, identified as Justine Akena, was picked up on April 15 from Gaspa Village in Bweyale Town Council, bringing to an end a manhunt that had lasted several days.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrest on Thursday, saying the suspect had been attached to Magnum Security Company and deployed at Goldex Uganda Limited along Mawanda Road at the time of the incident.
“We wish to confirm the arrest of Akena Justine, a private security guard attached to Magnum Security Company, in connection with a theft that occurred on 10th April 2026,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police allege that Akena stole a bag containing Shs29 million and 900 grammes of gold valued at about Shs500 million from a motor vehicle belonging to one Maggie Katuramu.
It is alleged that Akena stole a bag containing Shs29 million and 900 grams of gold valued at approximately Shs500 million from a motor vehicle belonging to one Katuramu Maggie.
According to police, at the time of the incident, he had been deployed to guard the premises of Goldex Uganda Limited, located along Mawanda Road.
Police, further said that after the theft, the suspect locked up the premises and went into hiding.
“Following the theft, Akena reportedly locked up the premises and went into hiding,” Owoyesigyire.
Owoyesigyire said the suspect was tracked and arrested days later, and that he has since admitted to the offence.
“On April 15, 2026 at about 2230 hours, the suspect was successfully arrested from Gaspa Village in Bweyale Town Council. Upon interrogation, he admitted to committing the offence,” he said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Akena had already started using part of the stolen money.
“Preliminary findings indicate that Akena had used part of the stolen money to open a retail shop, from where he was apprehended,” Owoyesigyire said.
The suspect is currently being held at Mawanda Road Police Station as investigations continue, with police preparing to have him prosecuted.
