KAMPALA, Uganda — Police have recovered 120 stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects after tracing a stolen phone belonging to an officer. Investigators believe the recovery has exposed a wider network dealing in stolen Apple devices.
The investigation started on July 16, 2026, after a police officer reported that his phone was stolen while on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi. Detectives later tracked the device to people suspected of dealing in stolen smartphones and electronic spare parts.
Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said investigators arrested Richard Mugabi on July 18 in Kakajo, Kisenyi. During questioning, Mugabi allegedly admitted taking the officer’s phone while he was resting inside a vehicle.
Police said the phone was later transferred to another person before reaching Juma Mugerwa, a phone dealer at Cooper Complex in Kampala. Detectives recovered the device and continued investigating the suspected network.
The investigation led police to raid Mugerwa’s shop on July 21. Officers recovered several items, including working iPhones, iPads, laptops, phone-resetting equipment, a microscope and various iPhone spare parts.
Related: Police recover stolen bank of Uganda laptops, four arrested
A search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones. The devices included older models and the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Police believe the devices were obtained from street thieves before being resold or dismantled for spare parts.
The four suspects are Richard Mugabi, Frank Mwesigwa, Sumaya Mutesi and Juma Mugerwa. They remain in custody as police continue their investigations.
Police have urged people who recently lost an iPhone to visit Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership. This will help authorities identify recovered devices.
Investigations are ongoing, and police expect more arrests as they work to dismantle the suspected theft network.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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