Kampala Crackdown Recovers Over 150 Suspected Stolen Phones

Authorities in Kampala have successfully recovered over 150 suspected stolen mobile phones as part of a coordinated operation aimed at disrupting phone theft and the illegal handset trade within the downtown area. The crackdown, which took place on Friday, swept through key commercial hubs including KK Trust Plaza, Owino Market, and Nakasero.

During the operation, several individuals were apprehended. Among those arrested is James Lule, identified by police as a notorious criminal with alleged ties to a string of robberies occurring along Namugongo Road and its adjacent areas. Kampala Metropolitan’s deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that investigations are actively ongoing, with all suspects currently undergoing screening.

The operation was reportedly initiated following a complaint from a woman whose phone was stolen on June 10th. She identified her assailants, leading to the registration of a case at Katwe Police Division. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a larger group involved in bag-snatching and robbery incidents. These suspects allegedly disclosed that the stolen devices were sold to various mobile phone dealers operating in downtown arcades.

A joint police and military team executed follow-up raids, leading to the recovery of the significant cache of phones. “We have arrested several suspects. Some were directly buying stolen phones from thugs, while others unknowingly stocked them after sourcing from dealers,” Owoyesigyire stated. He emphasized that all recovered phones are being processed to ascertain their rightful owners and that efforts are underway to identify further victims and any other individuals connected to these criminal activities.

Police have issued a stern warning to second-hand phone dealers, urging them to meticulously verify the origin of any devices before making purchases. Handling property suspected to be stolen is a criminal offense. Owoyesigyire reiterated the police’s commitment to eradicating street robberies and dismantling the organized networks that fuel the illegal phone trade, noting that this has been a persistent challenge despite previous successful operations.

In a related incident, James Lule was apprehended following a robbery in Nabwojjo, where a victim was attacked and robbed of his phone. Police investigations linked Lule to this specific attack, and he was arrested while detectives pursue his alleged accomplices. The victim in this incident remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/over-150-suspected-stolen-phones-recovered-in-downtown-kampala-crackdown