Police have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects following an operation that began with investigations into the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone in Kisenyi, Kampala.
Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the operation followed the theft of a police officer’s phone on July 16, 2026, while he was deployed at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell.
The officer had reportedly been resting in a vehicle when the phone was stolen.
Kawala said detectives traced and arrested one of the suspects, Richard Mugabi, on July 18 at about 3:00am from 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 Shs900,000 to Juma Mugerwa, the proprietor of a mobile phone retail shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala,” Kawala said.
The stolen phone was later recovered.
Based on information provided by Mugabi, police conducted an operation at Mugerwa’s shop at Cooper Complex on July 21, where they recovered several electronic devices and equipment believed to be linked to a suspected stolen phone business.
Police recovered seven functioning iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone-resetting machines, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts from the shop.
During a search of Mugerwa’s vehicle, officers recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones, including newer models such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max alongside older versions.
Kawala said preliminary investigations indicate that Mugerwa was allegedly involved in the trade of suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts, which were reportedly purchased from individuals operating on the streets of Kampala and surrounding areas.
“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,” she said.
The suspects arrested have been identified as Richard Mugabi, Frank Mwesigwa, Sumaya Mutesi and Juma Mugerwa.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, identify other individuals linked to the suspected criminal network and ensure all those involved face justice.
Kawala urged members of the public who have recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in the identification and recovery of their devices.
