The Diamond Trust Bank Wakiso robbery attempt on April 27, 2025, ended in gunfire, leaving one security guard dead and another arrested. The foiled heist unfolded at the Wakiso branch near the Wakiso–Busiro Land Zonal offices.
According to police reports, two guards from G.K.O Security Company plotted the break-in. The suspects entered the bank through the washroom ceiling. Their aim was to access the safe. However, an alarm triggered during the attempt, immediately alerting officers at Wakiso Police Station.
When police arrived, they found the main gate locked. Meanwhile, a female security guard, aware of the robbery, hid inside a locked room instead of sounding the alarm. Officers ordered the suspects to surrender and used tear gas to force them out. However, the suspects cocked their guns, forcing the police to open fire.
During the shootout, Emmanuel Okao, one of the suspects, was fatally shot. As a result, his partner, Justine Okello, 27, surrendered after realizing his colleague had died. In addition, officers recovered two firearms intended for use in the Diamond Trust Bank Wakiso robbery.
Further investigations showed that the suspects had removed their uniforms before the crime to avoid easy identification. This tactic, however, failed when the police acted quickly.
Residents reported hearing gunshots from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Understandably, fear gripped the neighborhood, and many people locked themselves inside their homes. Innocent Nsereko, a local resident, described the night as terrifying, saying people suffered panic and anxiety.
Meanwhile, Moses Nanuka, the Kampala North Regional Police Commander, praised his team’s swift and professional response. Thanks to their quick action, no cash or property was stolen during the attempted robbery.
Diamond Trust Bank later issued a statement confirming that all its assets remained safe. Furthermore, the bank assured customers of its continued cooperation with security agencies to fully investigate the Diamond Trust Bank Wakiso robbery attempt.
Clearly, this incident highlights the growing threat of insider involvement and the need for tighter security measures in financial institutions.
