Police has conducted a successful intelligence-led operation within the Kampala Metropolitan area, leading to the recovery of 143 suspected stolen smartphones and the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of an organised mobile phone theft and trafficking network.
The operation was carried out by the Uganda Police Force under the Kampala Metropolitan Police. The recovered devices are mostly high-value smartphones, with a large number being iPhones.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Tumusiime Derrick, also known as Gana; Niyonzima Fabrice, also known as Sadat; and Kitoko Emmy. According to police, the group is suspected of being part of a wider criminal network involved in stealing mobile phones and processing them for resale.
Preliminary investigations show that the suspects allegedly received stolen phones, altered their internal components such as motherboards, and changed identifying details in order to hide the original ownership. Police further believe that the refurbished devices were being trafficked and sold across borders, particularly into the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
So far, police have already managed to trace and return 20 of the recovered phones to their rightful owners. These victims were able to confirm ownership by providing police reference numbers and details of their previous theft reports.
The investigation is still ongoing as officers work to identify more victims, recover additional stolen phones, and arrest other suspects linked to the network. Police have also urged members of the public who lost iPhones or other smartphones and reported the thefts to come forward with proof of ownership to help in the recovery process.
The suspects remain in custody as they await court proceedings once investigations are complete. Police say they will be charged for their alleged involvement in organised phone theft and trafficking.
The Uganda Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting organised crime, especially networks involved in stealing and smuggling mobile phones. Authorities continue to encourage the public to report such incidents promptly to help dismantle criminal operations.
