Police in Katwe have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four people as investigations continue into a suspected network involved in the theft and illegal trade of mobile phones and spare parts in Kampala.
The operation follows the theft of a police officer’s phone on 16 July 2026 while he was on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala.
Investigations led to the arrest of Mugabi Richard at his home in Kakajo, Kisenyi Cell, at about 3:00am on 18 July. During questioning, police allege that Mugabi admitted to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting in a vehicle.
Police say Mugabi later handed the phone to an accomplice, who sold it for Shs900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, the owner of a mobile phone shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala. The stolen phone has since been recovered.
Based on information obtained during the investigation, police raided Mugerwa’s shop on 21 July and recovered seven functioning iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone-resetting machines, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts.
Mugerwa was arrested during the operation. Police later searched his vehicle and recovered 120 more iPhones, ranging from the iPhone 17 Pro Max to older models.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mugerwa may have been involved in the purchase and sale of suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts. Police allege that the devices and parts were sourced from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas.
The other suspects arrested in connection with the case are Mwesigwa Frank and Mutesi Sumaya, alongside Mugabi and Mugerwa.
Police are continuing with investigations to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, identify other people who may be involved and dismantle the wider network suspected of dealing in stolen phones.
Members of the public who have recently lost iPhones have been asked to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to help police identify and recover their devices.
