KAMPALA : Unidentified persons have broken into the offices of The Observer newspaper and stole property including computers and other electronic gadgets.
“They have literally taken everything,” said Mr Sadab Kitatta, a journalist at The Observer.
Mr Kitatta noted that, unlike the previous raid when the thugs only searched the newsroom area, “this time they went to all offices including that of the managing director.”
Mr Kitatta said the computer that stores CCTV footage gathered from within the office premises was also taken by the hoodlums.
Asked whether this wasn’t an April Fools’ Day prank, Mr Kitatta said “I am not a character that would involve in such.”
The Observer offices are located on Tagore Crescent, Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb.
This is the second time in a space of five months that offices of The Observer have been broken into.
In October last year, the tri-weekly newspaper offices were broken into and at least 15 desktop computers, several laptops and other assorted items were stolen.
Mr Kitatta couldn’t estimate the cost of the theft although he doubts whether the Monday edition of the newspaper would come out.
He said that the newspaper premises have been manned by two security guards who were not found at the premises on Saturday morning following the raid.
“As far as I know, the premises are guarded by two security guards and one of them left his gun and uniform behind. I don’t know whether he left naked,” said Mr Kitatta.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from the newspaper’s Managing Director James Tumusiime were futile since he failed to respond to our telephone calls and a WhatsApp message.
©Alleastafrica and Daily Monitor
