Kampala Metropolitan Police have recovered 150 suspected stolen mobile phones and arrested several suspects following a targeted operation in the city center that investigators say has exposed a network linked to street robberies and the sale of stolen devices.
The operation was conducted at KK Trust Plaza and Owino View Zone in Nakasero IV Parish, Kampala Central Division, after detectives traced the movement of stolen phones during an ongoing investigation.
The probe began after a woman reported on June 10, 2026, that her mobile phone had been stolen by individuals she recognized by appearance along Queen’s Way in Makindye Division.
The case was registered at Katwe Police Division, prompting investigators to launch a hunt for the suspects.
Police subsequently arrested three adult men believed to be involved in a string of bag-snatching and simple robbery incidents across Kampala.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly disclosed that the stolen phones had been sold to mobile phone dealers operating in the city center.
Acting on the information, police mounted a follow-up operation that led to the recovery of 150 suspected stolen mobile phones from various shops and the arrest of additional suspects to assist with investigations.
Authorities said the recovered devices are being examined to establish ownership, while efforts are underway to identify more victims and track down other individuals connected to the criminal enterprise.
Police have warned dealers in second-hand mobile phones to exercise caution and verify the source of devices before purchasing them, noting that handling suspected stolen property is a criminal.
