Police recover 723 suspected stolen phones in Kampala operation

KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda Police have recovered 723 suspected stolen mobile phones and hundreds of SIM cards during an intelligence-led operation at Cooper Complex in Kampala, as authorities intensify efforts to combat phone theft and illegal modification of mobile devices.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that stolen phones are allegedly being altered by changing their serial numbers before being sold across borders, a practice that makes it difficult for rightful owners to trace and recover their devices.

The operation was conducted by police officers following intelligence reports about suspected criminal activities involving stolen mobile phones.

According to police spokesperson ACP Luke Owoyesigyire, investigators found that some stolen phones had allegedly undergone modifications, including tampering with their serial numbers, commonly known as International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) manipulation.

Police said changing phone identifiers makes it harder for tracking systems and original owners to identify recovered devices.

The force believes the practice may be part of a wider network involving the resale and movement of stolen phones within and outside Uganda.

During the operation, police also recovered more than 460 used MTN and Airtel SIM cards from one of the shops inspected.

Officers further seized machines suspected to have been used in altering mobile phone serial numbers.

Police said the recovered items will form part of ongoing investigations aimed at identifying individuals involved in the alleged illegal trade.

Police said three of the recovered phones received calls during the operation from individuals who identified themselves as the rightful owners.

The callers reportedly told investigators that the phones had been stolen from them in Makindye Division, Kampala District, providing immediate leads into the ongoing investigations.

Authorities said the information will help in tracing the original owners and establishing how the devices ended up at the location where they were recovered.

Mobile phone theft remains a major concern in Uganda, with stolen devices often resold through informal markets or modified to avoid detection.

The illegal alteration of phone identifiers has raised concerns among security agencies because it affects efforts to track stolen devices and hold offenders accountable.

The recovery also highlights the role of intelligence-led policing and cooperation between security agencies and the public in fighting organised theft.

Police said investigations are continuing to identify suspects connected to the recovered phones, SIM cards and equipment.

The force has urged members of the public who have lost phones to report cases and provide relevant identification details, including phone serial numbers and purchase information, to assist in recovery efforts.

The recovered devices will undergo further verification as police work to return them to their rightful owners and establish possible criminal networks behind the operation.