Guard, thugs raid sixteen arcade shops in Kampala, over sh123m stolen

KAMPALA - The Police have launched an investigation into a robbery at JBK Plaza on Luwum Street in Kampala city centre, where traders in at least 16 shops lost goods worth over sh123m. 

The break-in occurred after a security guard reportedly masterminded a daring overnight raid that left traders counting losses in cash, goods and valuables, including jewellery. 

Detectives described the case, registered at the Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala, as a “co-ordinated inside job” involving a guard and a gang of masked accomplices. 

The prime suspect, Bosco Gahungu, 50, who had been guarding the building for over 15 years, is on the run. 

The break-in was discovered on Monday (October 20) morning when cleaners opened the building early and found most shops on the ground and first floors broken into. 

Drawers were found ransacked, safes cracked open, and merchandise strewn on the floor. 

The JBK Plaza estate manager, Jolly Kyarikunda, 45, a resident of Kansanga in Makindye division, reported the incident at Wilson Road Police post at 7:55am, since most commercial buildings in the city centre do not open on Sundays. 

It was initially reported at Wilson Road Police post, before being transferred to CPS Kampala. “

When our cleaners arrived to begin work, they found nearly every shop broken into. Doors had been forced open, and the closed-circuit television [CCTV] cables were cut. It was clear that the robbers had time and knew what they were doing,” Kyarikunda told Police. 

A joint team of detectives, crime intelligence, and scene-of-crime officers immediately responded, documenting the scene and collecting exhibits.

The main entrance to the building was found locked and intact, but Police established that the suspected thieves accessed the building through an emergency door leading to the first floor. 

Investigations revealed that 16 shops, including mobile money outlets and a forex bureau, were targeted. 

Detectives estimate that sh33.2m and $26,600 (about sh90.3m in cash) was stolen. 

Several CCTV systems were found tampered with, although one camera inside shop number G-12, owned by Ronald Mihingo, remained functional and provided footage that investigators used to get vital clues. 

According to the Police, the footage showed Gahungu leading three other unidentified men wearing masks, gloves, and hooded coats. 

One of the men is seen carrying a breaking implement, which they used to force doors and safes open. 

“I immediately recognised him (Gahungu); he is the same guard who watches over our building every night,” Mihingo, who operates a mobile money business inside the plaza, said. 

Peter Katongole, the head of security for JBK Estates, said the suspect had worked at the plaza for over a decade. 

“We trusted him completely. He was disciplined and loyal, or so we thought. None of us expected this betrayal,” Katongole said.

When Police searched the guard’s room on the top floor of JBK Plaza, they found a pair of black military-style boots, a photograph of him dressed in an army uniform holding a PK machine gun, and other personal effects. 

His room was not locked, but Gahungu was nowhere to be seen. Detectives believe the suspect used his knowledge of the building layout and security system to plan the heist, disabling cameras and opening access points from within. 

A police officer familiar with the investigation said: “This was an inside job. The suspect knew exactly where the valuables were and how to avoid detection.” 

As inquiries continue, detectives are reviewing additional CCTV footage from nearby buildings to track the suspects’ movements. 

New Vision also established that detectives are considering seeking court orders to examine recovered mobile phones linked to the case. 

Forensic teams are also analysing physical exhibits, including footwear and door fragments, to establish direct evidence.

Sh1.8m Stolen in Rubaga 

In a related development, the Police in Rubaga division are investigating an armed robbery at a Premier Bet outlet in Lubya parish that occurred on October 13. 
During the attack, the robbers reportedly escaped with sh1.87m. 

The case was registered at Old Kampala Police Station. Three armed men reportedly held an unarmed night guard at gunpoint, before raiding the cashier’s section and fleeing on a motorcycle. 

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the assailants. Security sources expressed concern that betting shops and mobile money outlets have become frequent targets for robbers, especially due to their late-night operations and minimal security presence. 

According to the 2024 Annual Crime Report, Police registered 13,511 break-in and theft cases nationwide. 

Burglary led with 6,447 cases, followed by house break-ins (3,019) and shop break-ins (1,921). 

Police stated that although break-ins declined slightly compared to the previous year (2023), the latest incidents in Kampala show that organised criminal networks are still active.

Victims speak out 

Rahmah Nakato (hijabs) 

Thieves turned everything upside down in the shop looking for money. The door had strong padlocks, and a chain which I found broken. Luckily enough, on Saturday evening, I had left with all the money but my friend Dorah Khwaka’s sh600,000 was stolen. Khwaka deals in mobile money.

Rashidah Nakanjako (mobile money shop) 

The thieves took sh11m, living the entire shop broken and disorganised. All my capital and loan money is taken, what am I going to do next?”

Ronald Kaggwa (jewellery) 

My shop was dismantled and everything turned upside down. Some watches and rings were thrown outside by thieves looking for money, but I’m lucky they did not find it where I had kept it. 

Hamidah Nsangi (men’s garments) 

Thieves stole sh1.8m, almost all my capital I had invested. My shop was disorganised, especially where the safe was. In the CCTV camera footage, I saw our own askari admiring one pair of my shoes and eventually took it. 

Frank Kakooza (men’s garments) 

I lost sh2.1m. All the glasses and padlocks were left broken. My entire stock was left scattered. 

Jaylor Nalweyiso (Forex bureau attendant) 

My iPhone Promax 16 and an HP laptop were stolen. 

Trudy Mukisa (bridal wear shop) 

Thieves stole over sh10m from our shop. They targeted shops that normally make a lot of money.