By Davis Mugabi

Thieves in and around Kampala have shifted their activities towards schools and churches.

In the past couple of weeks, churches and schools were robbed in a manner that appears targeted.

Case by case

On March 20, 2023; Nagalama Police Station recorded a case of burglary that took place at the Kasawo Secondary School. Information showed that a group of thugs suspected to be armed entered the school and tied up the private security guards before breaking into the school’s administration office and Bursar’s office. They made away with three computers and other items of value. Two of the private security guards were injured while two others went at large.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the school’s money safe was not being used and was faulty. The two Bursars who were using one office claimed that they had 63 million shillings in wooden old drawer.

Further investigation revealed that the three computers that were stolen had been recently interconnected by the new headmaster, suggesting that they were specifically selected. Two of the Bursars were arrested to assist in the investigation.

A meeting was held at the school with the District Police Commander, members of the Parent-Teacher Association, and the Board chairs and members to discuss the incident and plan the way forward.

On the same day, territorial Police in Wakiso registered a case of aggravated robbery that took place at Nswanjere Junior seminary school in Muduma sub-county, Mpigi District.

It is alleged that unknown assailants gained entrance into the school by cutting burbed wires fencing the school and proceeded to rob the school of various items including a TV, mobile phones, cash, a laptop, and the church Tabernacle.

During the robbery, Fr. Kyeyune Godfrey, the Vice Rector at Nswanjere Junior seminary, was beaten and injured on the left hand. Fr. Emmanuel Mukukule was also beaten and injured on the head and was admitted at Lubaga hospital. Rev. Fr. John Bosco Kigundu and Bro. John Bosco Mwasa were also robbed of cash and mobile phones.

On March 22, 2023, Police in Wandegeya registered a case of robbery that happened at Word Assembly Church located at Plot 21 Lumumba Avenue, Kampala.

Information available shows that the thieves who broke into the church and stole properties worth over Shs 20 million. These included five (5) laptops, one (1) CPU, one (1) Floodlight mixer and one (1) TV Screen all valued at approximately Ugx 20 million. 

The thieves used the rare part of the church by outstretching the tent canvass to gain entry into the sanctuary.

On March 25, 2023; territorial Police in Nagalama registered an incident of aggravated robbery and murder at St. Andrew Kaggwa Senior Secondary School Kabimbiri in Kasawo Town Council, Mukono District. Unknown assailants attacked the school, resulting in the death of Miiro Stephen, a 35-year-old male teacher/warden, and the injury of Ajobe Bernard, a 25-year-old male watchman.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the unknown assailants broke into several offices, including the Bursar’s office, where they stole unspecified amounts of pocket money belonging to the students. They also broke into the Head teacher’s office and took two (02) computer desktops of Boston make and a Dell laptop from the office of the Deputy Head Teacher, Mbasa Luke.

In this incident, Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire appealed to school proprietors to up their security to avoid future occurrences.