Bumwango Chairperson Arrested Over Namboko School Theft
Police in Namisindwa District have arrested Rogers Haluma, the chairperson of Bumwango Village, in connection with the Namboko School theft. Eight desktop computers were stolen from Namboko Seed Secondary School on the night of July 29, 2025.
Haluma also worked as the school’s night guard. Authorities believe the crime was an inside job. He was arrested alongside another suspect, Martin Wanyakala, while a third accomplice remains on the run.
According to police reports, Haluma left his duty post shortly after midnight. He claimed he went home to check on his wife, whose house is only 100 meters away. He returned at 3:00 a.m. and reported that the computer laboratory had been broken into.
Instead of contacting the police directly, Haluma informed the LC3 chairperson, who alerted the school administration. The case was quickly filed at Bubutu Police Post, prompting officers to request a canine unit from Mbale.
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Elgon Region police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed that the dog tracked the scent straight to Haluma’s residence. Further searches led to the recovery of several items near the crime scene. Officers found computer cables, cloth covers, and pliers discarded just 50 meters from the lab.
Initial investigations revealed no forced entry. The main lab door was found locked with its padlock intact. Police believe the suspects used keys to access the lab and exited through a partially open rear door. Haluma is one of the few individuals with access to the keys.
The thieves took eight out of the lab’s 20 desktop computers, carefully severing the power cables using the tools discovered nearby. Investigators believe the pliers were used to disable the systems without damaging the units.
Unfortunately, the school’s CCTV cameras failed to record the incident. A power blackout during the theft left all cameras offline, depriving officers of potential visual evidence.
Currently, Haluma and Wanyakala are being held at Bubutu Police Post. Law enforcement continues the search for the third suspect and the missing computers. Authorities believe the remaining stolen items may still be within the district.
The Namboko School theft has sparked community concerns over security in public institutions, particularly where employees hold dual roles of trust and access.
