What began as the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone has led to one of the latest major recoveries of suspected stolen iPhones in Kampala.
Katwe Police have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects following investigations into the theft of an officer’s phone on July 16 in Kisenyi. The operation has exposed what investigators suspect is a network involved in handling stolen smartphones.
Police identified the suspects as Mugabi Richard, Mwesigwa Frank, Mutesi Sumaya, and Mugerwa Juma.
According to police, the investigation gathered pace after Mugabi Richard was arrested and allegedly confessed to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was on duty. Detectives say the suspect later led investigators to other individuals believed to be connected to the sale and distribution of the devices.
The breakthrough culminated in a raid on a phone shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala, where officers recovered tables full of iPhones in different colours and models. Investigators carefully examined the devices using their IMEI numbers as they worked to establish ownership and trace the source of the phones.
Police have since appealed to members of the public who recently lost iPhones or had them stolen to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership, including purchase receipts, IMEI numbers, serial numbers or other supporting documentation, to facilitate verification and possible recovery of their devices.
The suspects remain in police custody as detectives continue investigating whether the recovered phones are linked to a wider criminal network operating within Kampala and beyond. Authorities say more arrests are possible as efforts continue to identify the legitimate owners of the recovered devices and establish how they entered the market.