Uganda’s Police in security operation in downtown Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s financial sector is facing growing security concerns following a string of daring break-ins targeting major banking institutions in Kampala, raising fears about the vulnerability of sensitive financial infrastructure and data systems.
In less than three weeks, three banks, including the country’s central bank, have been broken into by unknown criminals who specifically targeted laptops, according to security sources.
Apart from the Bank of Uganda, two commercial banks located along Lumumba Avenue and Nile Avenue in Kampala were also hit in separate incidents within a span of 17 days.
The latest incidents have alarmed security agencies and banking officials, with investigators suspecting a coordinated criminal network targeting financial institutions for sensitive information stored on electronic devices.
The robbery at the Nile Avenue bank reportedly occurred two weeks ago and resulted in the theft of four laptops.
Days later, thieves struck the Bank of Uganda headquarters at Plot 45 Kampala Road, targeting the shorter tower building and making away with seven laptops belonging to commercial liaison officers whose offices are located in the basement.
Another commercial bank on Lumumba Avenue was also later broken into under similar circumstances.
Security sources said the pattern of the attacks strongly suggests an organised operation. “This looks well planned. You do not hit three banks in the same area within weeks and take only laptops by accident,” a security source said.
The Bank of Uganda later confirmed the break-in in an official statement, saying investigations were ongoing in collaboration with security agencies.
“The matter is currently under investigation and the Bank of Uganda is working closely with the relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and to take appropriate action,” the statement read.
The central bank, however, assured the public that its core operations and services had not been disrupted.
While the Bank of Uganda publicly acknowledged the incident, the two affected commercial banks have remained silent and declined to officially comment on the thefts.
Highly placed security sources said investigators are pursuing multiple leads in an effort to recover the stolen devices and establish whether sensitive financial information may have been compromised.
The incidents come at a time when Uganda is experiencing a surge in commercial burglaries and organised theft.
According to the 2025 Police annual crime report, 11,818 burglary cases were reported in 2025 compared to 13,511 cases recorded in 2024.
The report further showed that stolen property worth sh31.4 billion was lost during the period, with only sh5 billion recovered.
The latest bank break-ins have intensified concerns over internal security vulnerabilities within financial institutions, particularly after at least four police officers who were deployed on night duty at the Bank of Uganda premises were arrested and detained in connection with the investigations.
Their arrest followed a major joint security operation conducted by Police, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
Security agencies deployed sniffer dogs that reportedly led investigators to three buildings in downtown Kampala — Kalungi Plaza, Kirumira Towers and Mutaasa Kafeero — where some of the suspected stolen items were allegedly being kept.
The premises were sealed off for nearly eight hours as security personnel conducted searches and interrogations.
Several suspects, including police officers and individuals allegedly involved in the trade of stolen mobile phones and electronic devices, were arrested during the operation.
Security analysts warn that the repeated targeting of financial institutions could expose banks to cyber-related risks, compromise confidential client information, and weaken public confidence in banking security systems.
The incidents have also renewed calls for banks to strengthen surveillance systems, tighten internal controls, and improve coordination with security agencies to counter increasingly sophisticated criminal operations targeting Uganda’s financial sector.
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