By Robert Segawa
Katwe Police have intensified operations targeting mobile phone thieves operating mainly in Kampala’s Central Business District, leading to the recovery of more than 120 suspected stolen iPhones and the arrest of four suspects.
The operation followed investigations into the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone on Thursday last week while the officer was deployed on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala Central Division.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, detectives arrested one of the suspects, Mugabi Richard, at his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell, at about 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. During interrogation, Mugabi allegedly confessed to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting inside a vehicle.
Police say the suspect revealed that he handed the stolen phone to an accomplice, who later sold it for UGX 900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, the proprietor of a mobile phone retail shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala. The stolen phone has since been recovered.
Acting on the information, police raided Mugerwa Juma’s shop on Monday evening, where they recovered seven functioning iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone resetting machines, a microscope, and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts believed to be linked to stolen devices. Mugerwa Juma was immediately arrested.
A subsequent search of Mugerwa’s motor vehicle led to the recovery of 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models to older versions.
Kawala identified the other suspects as Mwesigwa Frank and Mutesi Sumaya, in addition to Mugabi Richard and Mugerwa Juma.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly involved in the trade of suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts, purchasing them from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas before reselling them.
“We shall arrest whoever is involved in stealing, selling, or buying suspected stolen mobile phones,” Kawala said.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, identify additional members of the suspected criminal network, and ensure that everyone connected to the operation is brought to justice.
Members of the public who have recently lost iPhones are encouraged to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist police in identifying and recovering their devices.
