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📍  SOROTI CITY

Equity Bank's Soroti branch in Uganda's eastern city of Soroti was the centre of Tuesday morning attention after an unsuccessful robbery attempt at the facility ended with the arrest of two security guards.

“The incident [attempted robbery] occurred at 3am and the concerned people alerted us and we moved swiftly,” said the acting Police spokesperson of Kyoga East, Edison Obukulem.

He said the two arrested men are attached to Security Group Africa (SGA), and that the hunt for a third suspect is under way.

“There were two security guards that were deployed to guard the bank but one called his colleague who was on duty to inform him that he was not coming because he [was] admitted at the hospital. However, when it was crosschecked, he was not there [hospital] and he has since switched off his phone," said Obukulem (pictured below).

▪️  Arrest made after botched bank robbery in Soroti

The thugs are said to have used the back entry to gain access into the bank, before police were informed.

In a statement posted on social media X, Equity Bank talked of its Soroti branch having had "a distress incident today morning... where armed persons attempted to gain access into the banking hall".

"No property or lives were damaged or lost," said the bank.

"Security agents led by local authorities are currently investigating the incident. Normal banking services have resumed. We apologize for the inconveniences caused. Thank you for understanding."

This security guard was arrested

'Intact'

Meanwhile, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Soroti East, Edwin Benesa, expressed concern as to why the bank did not install CCTV cameras at the back of the building.

“I think the bank erred by not installing the cameras behind and that has made the work of security difficult," he said.

"The other issue is how electricity went off just at the time the robbers were attempting to break into the bank. That causes a big question that requires answers."

Francis Erumu, the Soroti branch manager, said that the robbers were not successful in their mission and that the bank did not lose anything.

“The thieves tried to access the bank last night. However, guards were on alert. I can confirm that the bank is intact, we have not lost anything."

Francis Erumu (right) is the Equity Bank Soroti branch manager

Business came to a standstill in Soroti town Tuesday morning following news of the botched bank robbery

The incident paralyzed business in Soroti town for hours as the Police cordoned off the premises, with onlookers watching from a distance.

The bank is located in the main street along the Soroti-Mbale Road.

As a security precautionary measure, shops and restaurants within the vicinity of the bank were closed as people were barred by the security to access them while waiting for the arrival of the Police sniffer dog to aid in the investigation.

Capt. Moses Emeju, the Teso region intelligence coordinator, was in-charge of the operation.

Initially there were fears that the robbers had locked themseleves inside the bank, but Emeju led the army inside the facility for a security sweep. They found no suspect inside.

Deputy RCC Benesa urged for calm and assured the public that the security teams are investigating the incident.