By Kato Jamil
Old Kampala Police Division has arrested a G4S security guard, Richard Ambrose Otim, accused of orchestrating a daring robbery involving over Shs 1 billion during a cash transit operation. The brazen theft, which unfolded over the weekend, has raised serious questions about security protocols within cash transport operations. Authorities are still hunting for Otim’s accomplice, who remains unidentified and on the run.
Details of the Crime
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire revealed that Otim and his colleague allegedly plotted to rob a bullion van (registration number UAJ 199T) while transporting cash from Lubowa to Nakasero. The van was later abandoned in Nabunya, Rubaga Division, with two rifles left behind—evidence of the operation’s premeditated nature.
The stolen sum includes Shs 1,069,420,000 and $14,474, making this one of the largest cash transit thefts in recent memory. Following intensive investigations and a nationwide manhunt, Otim was apprehended in Kwania District, where police recovered Shs 117 million believed to be part of the loot. The authorities are now intensifying efforts to recover the remaining funds and apprehend the second suspect.
“This is unusual, where security guards entrusted with safeguarding cash or transporting it conspire to steal it,” Owoyesigyire remarked.
A Growing Crime Trend
This incident is a stark reflection of the rising trend in cash-related robberies. According to the 2023 Crime Report by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Uganda recorded 551 cases of cash robbery, a worrying 24% increase from 443 cases in 2022. Experts suggest that as cash-in-transit operations grow, so do the risks of insider collusion.
Criminologists warn that insufficient vetting of security personnel, combined with the lucrative nature of such crimes, creates opportunities for breaches. A police source close to the investigation hinted at the possibility of more individuals being involved in the conspiracy, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Reactions and Security Reforms
The heist has sparked calls for stringent reforms in cash transit protocols. Financial institutions and security companies are under pressure to reevaluate their processes, including deploying advanced tracking technologies and enhancing background checks for employees.
“This incident underscores the importance of constant vigilance and innovation in securing high-value cash transit operations,” commented a security analyst familiar with the case.
While Otim’s arrest represents a significant breakthrough, the case serves as a wake-up call for Uganda’s cash transit industry. Authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, but for now, a significant portion of the stolen funds remains unaccounted for, keeping the public and financial sector on edge.
