Police have arrested a private security guard attached to Magnum Security Company over the theft of millions of shillings and gold in a daring inside job that has raised fresh concerns about security within private firms.
According to Deputy Police Spokesperson, Kampala Metropolitan, Luke Owoyesigire, the suspect, Akena Justine, was apprehended on the night of April 15, 2026, in Gaspa Village, Bweyale Town Council, after days on the run.
Akena is accused of stealing a bag containing UGX 29 million in cash and 900 grams of gold worth approximately UGX 500 million from a motor vehicle belonging to one Katuramu Maggie.
At the time of the theft on April 10, he had been deployed to guard premises of Goldex Uganda Limited along Mawanda Road in Kampala.
Police say that after executing the theft, the guard allegedly locked up the premises and disappeared, triggering a manhunt.
“He was successfully arrested and, upon interrogation, admitted to committing the offence,” Owoyesigire confirmed.
Investigators have since established that Akena used part of the stolen cash to set up a retail shop in Bweyale, where he was eventually tracked down and arrested.
He is currently detained at Mawanda Road Police Station as investigations continue, with authorities preparing to formally charge him in court.
The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over vetting processes and oversight within private security companies, particularly those entrusted with guarding high-value assets such as gold.
