Police Recover 120 Suspected Stolen iPhones After Tracing Officer’s Stolen Phone

Police have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects following an investigation that began with the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone in Kampala.

The breakthrough came after the officer’s phone was stolen on July 16, 2026, while he was on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell. Detectives traced the stolen device, uncovering what investigators believe is a network involved in the theft, resale and dismantling of stolen Apple devices.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the first suspect, Richard Mugabi, was arrested on July 18 at his residence in Kakajo, Kisenyi. During interrogation, Mugabi allegedly confessed to stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting inside a vehicle.

According to police, Mugabi told investigators that he passed the phone to an accomplice, who later sold it to Juma Mugerwa, the proprietor of a mobile phone shop at Cooper Complex in Kampala, for Shs900,000. Officers later recovered the stolen handset.

Armed with the information, detectives raided Mugerwa’s shop on July 21, where they recovered seven operational iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone-resetting machines, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts suspected to have been stripped from stolen devices.

A subsequent search of Mugerwa’s vehicle led to an even bigger discovery. Police recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones, including the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models alongside several older versions.

Investigators believe the phones were obtained through an organised network that purchased suspected stolen devices and spare parts from street operators in Kampala and surrounding areas before reselling or dismantling them for parts.

Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the case. They have been identified as Richard Mugabi, Frank Mwesigwa, Sumaya Mutesi and Juma Mugerwa.

“We have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects in connection with the possession and dealing in suspected stolen devices. Investigations are ongoing to identify the rightful owners, trace other members of the criminal network and ensure all those involved are brought to justice,” Rusoke said.

Police have appealed to members of the public who recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership, including receipts, serial numbers or other identifying documents, to facilitate the recovery of their devices.

Investigations into the suspected theft and resale syndicate are continuing as detectives work to establish the full extent of the operation and identify additional suspects.