Police in Kampala have intensified efforts to fight mobile phone theft and the illegal trade of stolen devices after recovering 11 suspected stolen phones during an intelligence-led operation in Kasanga Parish, Makindye Division.
The operation, carried out by officers from Kabalagala Police Division on the night of 23rd July 2026, followed intelligence reports that individuals involved in the sale and distribution of suspected stolen phones were operating between Kampala City Centre and Kasanga.
During the raid, police arrested one suspect, identified as Nakitende Mariam, who has been charged with possession of suspected stolen property. Another suspect reportedly escaped during the operation and is currently being hunted by police.
The recovered phones were found wrapped in foil paper, a method criminals often use in an attempt to block network signals and make it difficult for authorities to track the devices. Among the recovered items were eight iPhones, two Samsung phones, and one Itel phone.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish where the phones came from and to identify their rightful owners. People who have lost their phones or suspect that their devices may have been stolen have been encouraged to visit Kabalagala Police Division with proof of ownership to help with verification and possible recovery.
Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said the operation was part of wider efforts by police to dismantle criminal networks involved in phone theft and the illegal sale of stolen gadgets.
He added that police are also working to identify habitual offenders, increase security deployments in known crime hotspots including Arena, Muyenga, and Tank Hill Road, while strengthening foot patrols and community policing activities.
Police have urged members of the public to remain alert, avoid buying phones from suspicious sources, and always keep records such as receipts and identification details of their devices to make recovery easier in case of theft.
The security agencies have vowed to continue conducting intelligence-led operations across the Kampala Metropolitan Area to reduce phone theft and bring offenders involved in the criminal trade to justice.
