Over 150 suspected stolen phones recovered in downtown Kampala crackdown
Police say they have recovered at least 150 suspected stolen mobile phones during an operation targeting phone theft and illegal handset trading networks in downtown Kampala. The Friday crackdown covered KK Trust Plaza, Owino Market, Nakasero and other parts of the city. Several suspects were arrested, including James Lule, whom police describe as a notorious […] The post Over 150 suspected stolen phones recovered in downtown Kampala crackdown appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.
Black News 
Police say they have recovered at least 150 suspected stolen mobile phones during an operation targeting phone theft and illegal handset trading networks in downtown Kampala.
The Friday crackdown covered KK Trust Plaza, Owino Market, Nakasero and other parts of the city. Several suspects were arrested, including James Lule, whom police describe as a notorious criminal linked to a series of robberies along Namugongo Road and surrounding areas.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said investigations are ongoing and suspects are still being screened. He noted that several dealers suspected of trading in stolen phones were arrested during the operation.
According to police, the operation stemmed from a complaint by a woman whose mobile phone was stolen on June 10, 2026. She reported that individuals she recognised by sight robbed her along Queen’s Way in Makindye Division. The case was subsequently registered at Katwe Police Division.
Investigations led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be involved in a series of bag-snatching and robbery incidents. During interrogation, the suspects allegedly revealed that the stolen phones had been sold to mobile phone dealers operating in various arcades in downtown Kampala.
On Friday, a joint police and military team conducted follow-up operations that resulted in the recovery of more than 150 suspected stolen mobile 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 warned second-hand phone dealers to verify the source of devices before purchasing them, noting that handling suspected stolen property is a criminal offence. Owoyesigyire said police remain committed to combating street robberies and dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal phone trade.
Previous operations in arcades such as Mutaasa Kafeero, City House, Cooper Complex and other commercial buildings have disrupted the illicit trade and led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen phones. However, police say the market continues to thrive through organised networks that sustain the trade despite repeated arrests and seizures.
Meanwhile, James Lule was arrested shortly after a robbery in Nabwojjo, Kyaliwajjala B Zone, where 23-year-old Daniel Tenywa, a resident of Kiwanga in Mukono district, was attacked with a blunt object and robbed of his mobile phone.
Police investigations linked Lule to the attack. He was arrested in Kyaliwajjala Kapeera as detectives from Kira Division continue pursuing his suspected accomplices. The victim remains hospitalised in critical condition.
The post Over 150 suspected stolen phones recovered in downtown Kampala crackdown appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.
