Police have confirmed that suspects linked to the theft of laptop computers belonging to the Bank of Uganda are expected to be arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court today, Wednesday, May 20, upon completion of legal processes.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire, investigations into the theft are ongoing and have so far resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of all stolen laptops.
“We would like to inform the general public that investigations into the theft of laptop computers belonging to Bank of Uganda are progressing steadily,” Owoyesigire said.
The theft occurred during the night of May 3, 2026, at the central bank’s offices along Kampala Road in Kampala, where six laptop computers were reportedly stolen.
Police said that following the earlier arrest of two suspects and recovery of two laptops, further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four.
Authorities also confirmed the recovery of four more laptops, meaning all six stolen devices have now been retrieved and are being held as exhibits.
The suspects were identified as Micheal Boaz Kule, Ramathan Kabuya alias Rama, Isaac Izoo Lubangakene, and Jude Jorem Oedo.
They are expected to face charges including office breaking, theft, receiving stolen property, and retaining stolen property.
Earlier, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the initial arrests were carried out on May 7 by intelligence teams following the break-in.
At the time, the suspects arrested were identified as Micheal Boaz Kule, 19, a resident of Wabigalo, and Ramadhan Kabulye, also known as Rhama, a resident of Nsambya Zone C in Kampala.
The break-in at the Bank of Uganda headquarters was first reported on May 4. The central bank later confirmed that the incident had occurred at its premises located at Plot 45 Kampala Road near City Square and was believed to have happened overnight on May 3.
Authorities maintained that the institution’s operations remained stable and unaffected despite the incident, adding that the Bank of Uganda was cooperating with security agencies to establish the full circumstances surrounding the theft.
Following the incident, security agencies mounted large-scale operations across central Kampala, sealing off buildings including Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, Kalungi Plaza, and City House in efforts to trace the stolen items and identify additional suspects.
The Bank of Uganda has in recent years faced growing scrutiny over institutional security following several high-profile incidents involving alleged internal theft and cyber-related financial breaches.
In late 2024, investigations into a major financial systems breach led to multiple arrests across government departments, sparking concerns over possible insider involvement in cyber-enabled theft cases.
The institution has also previously reported cases involving theft of cancelled currency stock and disciplinary action against staff members.
