By Yusuf Obbo
Police in Iganga District have arrested 13 suspects believed to be linked to Kaweleze fraud, robberies and other criminal activities, recovering an assortment of suspected stolen property, narcotic substances and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation, which commenced on October 13, 2026, targeted Bukoyo Village in Bulamagi Sub-county and Busei Village in Nakalama Sub-county, where police searched several residences suspected of being connected to criminal activities.
Among the items recovered were 32 mobile phones, comprising 27 smartphones and five button phones, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, ring lights, Wi-Fi devices, home theatre systems, numerous SIM cards suspected to have been used in fraudulent activities, suspected narcotic substances and suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes.
The 13 suspects, aged between 18 and 25, were arrested to assist police with investigations into alleged robberies, house break-ins, theft, fraud commonly known as Kaweleze, and possession of narcotic drugs.
The suspects are alleged to have targeted members of the public through fraudulent telephone calls, particularly individuals believed to have money on their mobile money accounts.
According to the information provided by police, the fraudsters allegedly impersonated customer care representatives, employees of different companies and other individuals to deceive their targets into disclosing information or taking actions that could enable them to steal money.
Such schemes exploit unsuspecting members of the public through impersonation and deception, often leaving victims with financial losses.
Police have continued to urge the public to exercise caution when receiving unexpected calls from people claiming to represent telecommunications companies, financial service providers, employers or other institutions.
Members of the public are advised not to disclose mobile money PINs, passwords or verification codes to callers and to independently verify suspicious claims through official customer care channels.
Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said some of the suspects had also been linked to cases in which young women, including students, were allegedly lured into relationships under false pretences before their mobile phones were stolen.
The alleged tactics raise concerns about the safety of residents, particularly young people who may be targeted through deception and manipulation.
Kasadha commended community members who provided timely intelligence that enabled police to conduct the operation and arrest the suspects.
He urged residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to help identify criminal networks, recover stolen property and prevent further offences.
Police have appealed to members of the public who have lost mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators and other electronic appliances to visit Iganga Central Police Station (CPS) to identify and claim their property.
Claimants are required to present verifiable proof of ownership, such as purchase receipts, mobile phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers or other reliable documentation to facilitate verification.
The recovery of the items is expected to assist investigators in establishing their rightful owners and determining whether they are connected to reported cases of theft and robbery.
Members of the public who suspect that any of the recovered items belong to them are encouraged to cooperate with police and provide relevant information to support the verification process.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in criminal activities and to identify other individuals who may be connected to the cases.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations and in accordance with the law.
The operation underscores the importance of community intelligence and cooperation between residents and security agencies in combating fraud, theft and other criminal activities in Iganga District and the wider Busoga East region
