A private security guard attached to Magnum Security Company has been arrested in connection with a high-value theft involving cash and gold worth over UGX 500 million in Kampala. The suspect, identified as Akena Justine, allegedly stole UGX 29 million and 900 grams of gold from a client’s vehicle while deployed at Goldex Uganda Limited. The incident is raising fresh questions about internal controls, accountability, and risk exposure within Uganda’s rapidly growing private security and gold trade sectors.
According to preliminary police reports, the theft occurred on April 10, 2026, at premises located along Mawanda Road. At the time, Akena was on duty as a guard responsible for securing the facility.
Authorities allege that he accessed a motor vehicle belonging to one Maggie Katuramu and stole a bag containing both cash and gold. The stolen gold, estimated at 900 grams, is valued at approximately UGX 500 million, highlighting the scale of the loss and the sensitive nature of assets handled within Uganda’s gold trade ecosystem.
Following the incident, the suspect reportedly locked the premises and fled, temporarily evading detection.
Akena Justine was arrested on April 15, 2026, at around 10:30 PM in Gaspa Village, located in Bweyale Town Council. Police confirmed that upon interrogation, he admitted to committing the offence.
Investigators further revealed that part of the stolen funds had already been invested into a small retail business, which ultimately led to his capture. The suspect is currently detained at Mawanda Road Police Station as authorities finalize investigations and prepare for prosecution.
The incident underscores growing operational risks within Uganda’s private security services industry, particularly in high-value sectors such as gold trading and logistics. Companies handling precious commodities are increasingly reliant on outsourced security providers, making internal vetting, monitoring, and compliance systems critical.
The theft also highlights potential vulnerabilities in asset protection protocols, especially in environments where large volumes of cash and high-value commodities are stored or transported.
As investigations continue, the arrest of Akena Justine is likely to intensify calls for stronger regulatory oversight and improved security frameworks across Uganda’s private security and gold trading sectors. For businesses operating in high-value industries, the message is clear: safeguarding assets requires not just physical security, but robust systems, accountability, and proactive risk management.
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