Three staff members from Hornby High School Junior in Kabale district have been detained following the theft of 19 computers valued at 259 million Shillings from the school’s computer laboratory. The suspects include Nicholas Muhwezi, a computer teacher; Phillip Tushabomwe, a night watchman; and Michael Mbabazi, a casual staff member.
The incident occurred around 3:00 AM on July 6, 2024. Geoffrey Ainebyoona, the school head teacher, reported the theft, noting that the computers were donated by MTN Telecom and Sense International Uganda to support education, particularly for visually impaired students.
According to Mbabazi, Tushabomwe informed him about the theft, claiming that unknown thieves had entered the school premises. However, Mbabazi doubted Tushabomwe’s explanation and alerted the police immediately.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, confirmed that the suspects are held at Kabale Central Police Station pending further investigations. Initial findings suggest possible collaboration between the thieves and school staff, particularly the computer teacher, who allegedly left a window open. The thieves broke through windows and burglar proofing to access the laboratory and steal the computers.
Police efforts, including the use of a sniffer dog, led to the recovery of eight monitors dumped near the road. The case has been registered at Kabale Police Station under file number CRB 520/2024 as investigations continue.
