Thieves steal 27 laptops in Teso school break-in

Digital learning for more than 1,000 learners at Amagoro Comprehensive School in Teso has been disrupted after thieves broke into the institution last week and stole 27 laptops.

The thieves gained entry into the school's ICT hub through a gate linking the school to neighbouring St Thomas Amagoro Girls Secondary School before making away with the laptops, valued at Sh400,000.

 School principal Ronald Orodi said the thieves also broke into the kitchen but stole nothing, in what he believes was a diversionary tactic.

 "It appears the thieves broke into the computer room and stole the devices while the watchman concentrated on the break-in at the kitchen," Orodi said.

 He said the theft was discovered the following morning when the teacher in charge of the ICT laboratory found the room had been broken into and the computers were missing.

 Orodi said the stolen laptops had been donated in January 2024 by one of the school's alumni, Sheran Oradu, with support from her friends in the United States, to promote digital literacy among learners.

 He said the school had also acquired additional computers to support the needs of its growing enrolment.

 The principal described the incident as a major setback to digital learning, saying learners are now unable to undertake ICT lessons.

 The burglary was reported at Amagoro police station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have launched investigations.

 Teso North police commander Charles Chepkong'a confirmed the incident.

 To strengthen security and reassure donors, Orodi said the school's Board of Management had resolved to engage a private security firm, which is insured against such incidents.