Police Hold 10 Suspects Over Theft of 16 Computers at Ngai Secondary School

Police in Oyam District are holding 10 suspects in connection with the alleged theft of 16 computer central processing units (CPUs) from the computer laboratory of Ngai Secondary School.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the school located in Barryeko Village, Akucha Parish, Ngai Sub-county.

The stolen computers, identified as HP central processing units, are estimated to be worth approximately Shs40 million.

The theft was discovered at around 7:40 a.m. when the school administration found that the computer laboratory had been broken into. The matter was subsequently reported to police at Oyam Central Police Station.

According to police, the suspects include an ICT teacher, three security guards and five students. The students are minors, and their identities are being withheld.

North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema said investigations are ongoing to establish how the suspects may have been connected to the alleged theft.

Police investigators, together with the Scene of Crime Officer, detectives and uniformed officers, visited the school and processed the scene. A police canine was also deployed during the investigation.

Authorities also recovered the school's digital video recorder (DVR), which is expected to assist investigators in reviewing surveillance footage from the computer laboratory.

Police have further taken fingerprints and DNA samples from the suspects as part of the forensic investigation. Investigators are also expected to interview the suspects and other people who may have information about the incident.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the perpetrators may have gained entry into the computer laboratory by damaging the rear section of the building. Police are continuing to establish what happened before, during and after the break-in.

The loss of the computers is a major setback for the school, as the laboratory provides students with access to computer-based learning and digital skills training.

Police have urged members of the public with information about the stolen equipment or the people involved to cooperate with investigators.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. They have not been convicted of any offence, and any allegations against them remain subject to the outcome of the police investigation and court process.