Private guard arrested over theft of sh29m, 900 grammes of gold

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Police on Thursday, April 16, 2026, confirmed the arrest of Justine Akena, a private security guard attached to Magnum Security Company, in connection with a theft that occurred on April 10, 2026.

Luke Owoyesigyire, Kampala Metropolitan deputy spokesperson, said Akena’s arrest followed a complaint alleging that he stole a bag containing sh29 million and 900 grammes of gold valued at approximately sh500 million from a motor vehicle belonging to Maggie Katuramu.

(Courtesy)

“At the time of the incident, he had been deployed to guard the premises of Goldex Uganda Limited, located along Mawanda Road. Following the theft, Akena reportedly locked up the premises and went into hiding,” Owoyesigyire said.

He added that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Gaspa village in Bweyale town council.

“Upon interrogation, he admitted to committing the offence. Preliminary findings indicate that Akena had used part of the stolen money to open a retail shop, from where he was apprehended. He is currently in custody at Mawanda Road Police Station as investigations continue and preparations for prosecution are underway,” he said.

While releasing the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 earlier this month, the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, said a total of 196,405 cases were reported to Police compared to 218,715 in 2024, representing a 10.2% reduction. Out of the reported cases, 115,301 were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, of which 79,291 were taken to court.

A total of 24,899 cases secured convictions, with 31,732 persons convicted and sentenced.

Out of the thirty-two policing regions in Uganda, KMP South registered the highest number of cases with 13,950, followed by Rwizi with 13,416, KMP North with 13,340, North Kyoga with 12,728 and KMP East with 10,388. At the district and divisional level, Wakiso Police Division registered the highest number of cases with 3,177, followed by Luweero Police Station with 3,123, Mukono Police Division with 2,880, Tororo Police Station with 2,831 and Ntungamo Police Station with 2,825.