Archival Sense
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Kampala Metropolitan Police have recovered 723 mobile phones suspected to have been stolen during an intelligence led operation at Cooper Complex in Kampala's Central Business District.
According to police, the operation was launched after receiving information that the building had become a centre for people involved in stealing and selling suspected stolen mobile phones.
Police searched 12 shops during the operation and recovered the 723 suspected stolen phones.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the phones were allegedly altered before being sold, including tampering with their serial numbers to make it difficult for the rightful owners to trace and recover them. Police believe some of the phones were then trafficked across Uganda's borders.
Officers also recovered more than 460 used MTN and Airtel SIM cards from one of the shops, together with machines suspected to have been used to alter mobile phone serial numbers.
Police said the investigation received an immediate breakthrough when three of the recovered phones rang during the operation. The callers identified themselves as the rightful owners and reported that the phones had been stolen from them in Makindye, Kampala.
A General Inquiry File has been opened to establish the lawful ownership of all the recovered phones and to facilitate their return to their rightful owners where appropriate.
A total of 13 suspects were arrested and are currently being screened as investigations continue. The recovered phones have been secured pending verification of ownership.
Police said statements will be recorded from the suspects and other relevant witnesses before those found to have a case to answer are charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The operation is part of the Uganda Police Force's ongoing efforts to crack down on the growing problem of mobile phone theft and the illegal trade in suspected stolen property.
photos courtesy of Uganda Police
According to police, the operation was launched after receiving information that the building had become a centre for people involved in stealing and selling suspected stolen mobile phones.
Police searched 12 shops during the operation and recovered the 723 suspected stolen phones.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the phones were allegedly altered before being sold, including tampering with their serial numbers to make it difficult for the rightful owners to trace and recover them. Police believe some of the phones were then trafficked across Uganda's borders.
Officers also recovered more than 460 used MTN and Airtel SIM cards from one of the shops, together with machines suspected to have been used to alter mobile phone serial numbers.
Police said the investigation received an immediate breakthrough when three of the recovered phones rang during the operation. The callers identified themselves as the rightful owners and reported that the phones had been stolen from them in Makindye, Kampala.
A General Inquiry File has been opened to establish the lawful ownership of all the recovered phones and to facilitate their return to their rightful owners where appropriate.
A total of 13 suspects were arrested and are currently being screened as investigations continue. The recovered phones have been secured pending verification of ownership.
Police said statements will be recorded from the suspects and other relevant witnesses before those found to have a case to answer are charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The operation is part of the Uganda Police Force's ongoing efforts to crack down on the growing problem of mobile phone theft and the illegal trade in suspected stolen property.
photos courtesy of Uganda Police