Police have recovered more than 150 suspected stolen mobile phones during an operation targeting phone theft and illegal handset trading networks in downtown Kampala.
The Friday operation covered KK Trust Plaza, Owino Market, Nakasero and other parts of the city. Police said several suspects were arrested, including James Lule, whom investigators linked to robberies along Namugongo Road and surrounding areas.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the suspects were still being screened as investigations continue.
He said police also arrested several phone dealers suspected of buying or selling stolen handsets.
Complaint Led Police to Downtown Shops
According to police, the operation followed a complaint from a woman whose phone was stolen on June 10, 2026.
The victim reported that people she could recognise by appearance robbed her along Queen’s Way in Makindye Division. Police later registered the case at Katwe Police Division.
Investigators arrested three suspects believed to be connected to several bag-snatching and robbery incidents.
During interrogation, police said the suspects allegedly disclosed that stolen phones had been sold to dealers operating in different arcades in downtown Kampala.
A joint police and military team then conducted follow-up operations on Friday. The operation led to the recovery of more than 150 suspected stolen phones from different shops.
“We have arrested several suspects. Some were directly buying stolen phones from thugs, while others unknowingly stocked them after sourcing from dealers. All of this will strengthen our ongoing investigations. The recovered phones are being processed to establish ownership, and we are working to identify more victims and others linked to these criminal activities,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police Warn Second-Hand Phone Dealers
Police warned second-hand phone dealers to verify the source of devices before buying them.
Owoyesigyire said handling suspected stolen property is a criminal offence. He added that police would continue targeting street robbery networks and traders involved in the illegal phone trade.
Previous police operations in arcades such as Mutaasa Kafeero, City House and Cooper Complex have led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen phones.
However, police say the illegal market remains active because organised networks continue to move stolen devices through commercial buildings despite repeated arrests and seizures.
Suspect Arrested After Kyaliwajjala Robbery
In a related development, police arrested James Lule shortly after a robbery in Nabwojjo, Kyaliwajjala B Zone.
Police said 23-year-old Daniel Tenywa, a resident of Kiwanga in Mukono District, was attacked with a blunt object and robbed of his mobile phone.
Investigators linked Lule to the attack and arrested him in Kyaliwajjala Kapeera. Detectives from Kira Division are still pursuing his suspected accomplices.
Police said Tenywa remains hospitalised in critical condition.