Four Arrested Over Phone and Bag Snatching Along Kampala–Masaka Highway

Police in Nsangi have arrested four suspects in connection with a series of phone and bag snatching incidents along the Kampala–Masaka Highway, particularly within the Busega–Kyengera swamp corridor.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala, the arrests followed a robbery case reported on March 17, 2026, at Kyengera Police Station.

The complainant, a businesswoman and resident of Namagoma Kisozi in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, reported that her laptop bag containing Shs 5.34 million, two smartphones valued at Shs 1.3 million, and a National Identity Card had been stolen.

Police launched an intelligence-led operation on March 20, targeting suspected criminal hideouts within the Busega swamp. The operation led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of 22 mobile phones, including 20 iPhones and two Tecno devices, from a makeshift structure in the swamp.

The suspects have been identified as Muwesi John (33), a resident of Busega; Mbazanyi Saka (25), a resident of Nateete; Kabuka Stephen (23), a resident of Busega; and a 17-year-old male whose identity has been withheld due to his age.

All suspects are currently in police custody pending prosecution.

Police say efforts are ongoing to identify the rightful owners of the recovered phones and to track down other suspects still at large.

Authorities have urged members of the public who may have lost phones or valuables in the area to report to the nearest police station for assistance.