By Chris Woo
Oyam, Uganda – Police in Oyam district have rearrested eight suspects, including two watchmen and six teachers, in connection with the theft of 14 computers from Amaji Primary School. The computers were stolen by unknown thugs.
The rearrests followed a directive from Patrick Ocen, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Oyam, during an emergency security meeting held at the school on January 3, 2025. Ocen stated that the rearrests aimed to protect the suspects from aggrieved parents who threatened to take the law into their own hands.

Additionally, Ocen directed the District Education Officer of Oyam not to effect any transfers before the recovery of the stolen computers. Benson Dilla, the LC5 Chairperson of Oyam District, revealed that teachers and the headteacher of Amaji Primary School are prime suspects, as the computers went missing while teachers held the keys to the library.

In response to parents’ requests to transfer the suspected teachers, David Adea, the Acting District Education Officer of Oyam, stated that they cannot transfer the teachers until their issues are resolved. Adea urged anyone with information about the computers’ whereabouts to report it.
District Police Commander SP Job Mutegeki confirmed that the rearrests aimed to protect the suspects from mob action. Sam Paul Ogwang Alunyu, the LC3 Chairperson of Kamdini Town Council, blamed the headteacher, Mr. Opito Richard, for negligence, leading to the loss of the computers. Alunyu emphasized that if not handled properly, the behavior of these teachers could tarnish the reputation of all teachers.

Patrick Ogwang Obura, a parent and MP aspirant for Oyam South Constituency, stressed the importance of education for development. He encouraged the suspects to return the stolen computers, highlighting the government’s efforts to promote sciences and technology.
The stolen computers were part of a donation of 20 computers from Sino Hydro Power cooperation company under corporate social responsibility.