Ugandan police have recovered 143 suspected stolen smartphones, most of them iPhones, following an intelligence-led operation targeting an organised mobile phone theft and trafficking network operating across the Kampala Metropolitan area.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, which authorities say has disrupted a criminal enterprise believed to have been supplying stolen devices to markets beyond Uganda’s borders.
Investigators believe the network specialised in receiving stolen smartphones before tampering with their motherboards and other identifying components to conceal their origin.
The altered devices were then allegedly trafficked and sold in neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, highlighting the growing regional dimension of smartphone theft and illicit electronics trafficking.
Police say they have already identified the rightful owners of 20 of the recovered phones after victims matched the devices to theft reports previously filed with law enforcement. Authorities expect more victims to come forward as investigations continue to trace additional stolen phones, recover further evidence and identify other members of the suspected criminal network.
“We conducted a successful intelligence-led operation within the Kampala Metropolitan area, leading to the recovery of 143 suspected stolen smartphones, the majority of which are iPhones, and the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of an organised mobile phone theft and trafficking network,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
The suspects have been identified as Derrick Tumusiime, also known as Gana, Fabrice Niyonzima, also known as Sadat, and Emmy Kitoko.
They remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations to face charges linked to their alleged involvement in the criminal enterprise.
Kampala Metropolitan Police has appealed to members of the public who previously reported the theft of an iPhone to contact the Crime Intelligence Directorate with proof of ownership and the relevant police reference number to facilitate verification and the possible return of recovered devices.
The Uganda Police Force said it remains committed to dismantling organised criminal networks involved in mobile phone theft and cross-border trafficking, urging the public to continue reporting such crimes promptly as investigations into the case continue.
