Police have arrested a private security guard who had been on the run over the alleged theft of cash and gold worth more than Shs500 million.
Justine Akena, a security guard with Magnum Security Company was arrested on Wednesday in Gaspa Village, Bweyale Town Council.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrest.
“We wish to confirm the arrest of Akena Justine, a private security guard attached to Magnum Security Company, in connection with a theft that occurred on April 10, 2026,” Owoyesigyire said.
At around 8pm, Akena, while deployed to guard the offices of Goldex Uganda Limited located along Mawanda Road, opened a motor vehicle registration number UA 264AN, a Toyota Noah pearl white in colour, and stole a bag containing money.
Police said that the bag also contained 900 grams of gold worth an estimated Shs500 million.
It is alleged that on the fateful day, the company driver transported the security guard to the city centre and later returned with him to the company premises in Kamwokya at around 8pm.
Reports indicate that upon finding the premises locked, the driver placed the bag inside the vehicle, reportedly fearing to carry it on his person due to the late hour.
It is further alleged that the security guard took advantage of the situation, broke into the vehicle, stole the bag containing cash and gold, and fled.
According to investigators, the suspect was on duty guarding the premises of Goldex Uganda Limited when the theft occurred. He is said to have locked up the premises shortly after the incident and fled.
“Following the theft, Akena reportedly locked up the premises and went into hiding,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police tracked and arrested him days later, and he has since reportedly admitted to the offence.
“On April 15, 2026, at about 10:30pm, the suspect was successfully arrested from Gaspa Village in Bweyale Town Council. Upon interrogation, he admitted to committing the offence,” Owoyesigyire added.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Akena had already spent part of the stolen money.
“Findings show that he used some of the money to open a retail shop, from where he was arrested,” Owoyesigyire said.
The suspect is currently being held at Mawanda Road Police Station as investigations continue, with police preparing to present him in court.
