The Uganda Police Force has recovered 723 mobile phones suspected to have been stolen during an intelligence-led operation conducted at Cooper Complex in Kampala following an increase in cases of phone theft and snatching across the Kampala Metropolitan area.

The operation, carried out on 14 July 2026, targeted suspected handlers of stolen mobile phones. Police searched 12 shops within the complex, leading to the recovery of hundreds of suspected stolen devices.

According to preliminary investigations, the recovered phones are believed to have had their serial numbers altered before being sold across borders, making it difficult for the rightful owners to trace and recover them.

Police also recovered more than 460 used MTN and Airtel SIM cards from one of the shops, along with machines suspected to have been used to alter mobile phone serial numbers.

Investigators received an immediate breakthrough during the operation when three of the recovered phones received calls from individuals who identified themselves as the rightful owners. The callers reported that the phones had been stolen from them in the Makindye area of Kampala District.

Police have since opened a General Inquiry File to establish the lawful ownership of all the recovered phones and facilitate their return to their rightful owners where appropriate.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested during the operation and are currently undergoing screening as investigations continue.

The Uganda Police Force says investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of the suspected network involved in handling stolen mobile phones.