The Police at Katwe have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects over their alleged involvement in the possession and sale of the devices.
According to the Police, the investigation began after a police officer’s mobile phone was stolen on July 16, 2026, while he was on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala.
Following investigations, officers arrested one of the suspects, Mugabi Richard, at his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell, on July 18 at about 3:00 a.m. During interrogation, Richard reportedly confessed to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting inside a vehicle.
Police said the suspect further revealed that he handed the stolen phone to an accomplice, who later sold it for UGX 900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, the owner of a mobile phone retail shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala. The stolen phone has since been recovered.
Acting on the information, detectives raided Mugerwa Juma’s shop on July 21, where they recovered seven functioning iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone-resetting machines, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts. Juma was immediately arrested.
A further search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the recovery of 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max to earlier models.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect was involved in the trade of suspected stolen iPhones and iPhone spare parts, allegedly purchasing the items from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas.
The four suspects in custody have been identified as Mugabi Richard, Mwesigwa Frank, Mutesi Sumaya and Mugerwa Juma.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, identify other members of the suspected criminal network and ensure that all those connected to the operation are brought to justice.
Authorities have also urged members of the public who have recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in identifying and reclaiming the recovered devices.
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