Police at Katwe have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects in connection with the possession and dealing of the suspected stolen devices.
The investigation stems from an incident that occurred on 16th July 2026, when a police officer’s mobile phone was stolen while he was deployed on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala
Following investigations, one suspect, Mugabi Richard, was arrested on 18th July 2026 at about 3:00 a.m. at his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the police officer’s phone while the officer was resting in a vehicle.
He further disclosed that he handed the phone to an accomplice, who later sold it for UGX 900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, the proprietor of a mobile phone retail shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala.
The stolen phone has subsequently been recovered .
Acting on this information, police conducted an operation at Mugerwa Juma’s shop in Cooper Complex on 21st July 2026. During the search, officers recovered the following exhibits:
– 7 functioning iPhones
– 5 iPads
– 3 laptops
– Phone resetting machines
– One microscope
– A large quantity of iPhone spare parts
Mugerwa Juma was immediately arrested. A subsequent search of his motor vehicle led to the recovery of 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the iPhone 17 Pro Max to earlier models.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is involved in the trade of suspected stolen iPhones and suspected stolen iPhone spare parts, allegedly purchasing them from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and its surrounding areas.
The suspects arrested have been identified as:
– Mugabi Richard
– Mwesigwa Frank
– Mutesi Sumaya
– Mugerwa Juma
Investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership of the recovered devices, identify additional suspects involved in the criminal network, and ensure that all those connected to the enterprise are brought to justice.
Members of the public who have recently lost iPhones are encouraged to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in the identification and recovery of their devices.
