By Our Reporter
Police in Iganga have intensified a crackdown on suspected fraudsters popularly known as the Kawereze Boys, with more than 56 suspects reportedly arrested over the past month in operations targeting impersonation, theft, burglary and other criminal activities.
Iganga District Police Commander (DPC), SP Samuel Odongo, has vowed to end the alleged criminal activities of the group, whose members are accused of impersonating prominent personalities and telecommunications companies to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and fraudulently obtain money.
The operations have led to the recovery of mobile phones and other exhibits suspected to be stolen, as police move to dismantle networks believed to be involved in fraud and related offences across the district.
In the latest intelligence-led operation conducted on Sunday, October 18, 2026, police arrested 25 male suspects and recovered 24 mobile phones, including 16 smartphones and eight button phones.
Police also recovered a quantity of suspected crushed and rolled opium, alongside other exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities.
The operation covered Kigulu, CMS–Bukoyo, Nakilurwe and Estate zones within Iganga Municipality and was conducted from morning to evening.
It was commanded by DPC SP Odongo Samuel, deputised by the Officer in Charge of Iganga Police Station, ASP Beyangye Yona, with the participation of Crime Intelligence officers, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) personnel and other uniformed officers.
According to police, the operation targeted suspected fraudsters accused of using the names of prominent personalities, including the First Daughter, as well as telecommunications companies, to defraud members of the public.
Officers also targeted suspected drug users and individuals suspected of involvement in burglaries, theft and housebreaking within the municipality.
The recovery of 24 mobile phones has raised questions about their ownership and possible links to reported criminal activities.
Police investigations are expected to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices and determine whether they were stolen or used in fraudulent transactions.
According to information provided, some individuals have reportedly denied ownership of recovered phones, complicating efforts to establish their origin and link them to specific cases.
Investigators are also seeking to establish how suspected fraudsters allegedly use fake online accounts and identities to impersonate prominent individuals and deceive their victims.
Police have not yet established publicly whether all the recovered phones are linked to reported cases of theft or fraud.
Iganga DPC SP Odongo has vowed to sustain the operations until the suspected criminal networks are dismantled and public safety is strengthened.
Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said the operations form part of broader police efforts to address concerns over fraud, theft, burglary and other criminal activities affecting residents and businesses in Iganga Municipality.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant when dealing with individuals claiming to represent prominent personalities or telecommunications companies, particularly on social media and other online platforms.
Residents have also been advised to verify identities before sending money, avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown individuals and promptly report suspicious transactions or criminal activities to the nearest police station.
The crackdown is continuing as police investigate the recovered exhibits and seek to establish the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in criminal activities.
