Nicholas Opiyo’s Chapter Four Uganda offices broken into; computer stolen

Unknown people broke into human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo’s Chapter Four Uganda offices in Kampala early March 18 morning and took away with a computer.

According to Opiyo, a private security company G4S is doing preliminary investigations.

“Our offices were broken into last night. The intruders were only able to access the reception area and made off with a desktop computer,” said Opiyo.

“The alarm system may’ve halted them in their tracks. We’re working with G4S to get to review the incident.”

The organization said it has identified the exact time at which the break-in happened.

“Our offices were broken into last night at about 4:38 AM. We are working with our security company to review the incident for appropriate action.”

Founded in 2013, Chapter Four Uganda  supports human rights and pro-democracy activists in their efforts to promote open government, defend human rights, strengthen civil society and facilitate the free flow of information and ideas.

Ugandan police and other security agencies arrested its director Nicholas Opiyo in December 2020 over money laundering charges.

This arrest happened months before unknown people broke into his home, stealing his laptop, phones, other electronics and several other items.

Also, a number of NGOs have seen their offices broken into in recent years.

Between 2013 and 2014, the NGO Forum reported that at least 26 NGO offices were broken into. 

Some of those affected since 2013 include: Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) – May 22, 2016; and  Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U) – June 29, 2015 & April 10, 2016.