Police Recover Stolen iPhones and Laptop in Midnight Operation Along Mawanda Road

Police in Wandegeya carried out a successful intelligence-led operation on the night of May 17, 2026, targeting motorcycle-riding phone snatchers who have recently been terrorizing residents around Mawanda Road in Kawempe Division, Kampala District. The operation, which took place at about 11:00pm, was aimed at reducing the growing cases of robbery and phone theft commonly carried out by criminals riding motorcycles.

During the operation, police patrol officers intercepted two men who were riding a motorcycle along Mawanda Road. According to police, the suspects became suspicious after noticing the patrol team and quickly abandoned a small grey bag before speeding off on the motorcycle. Despite escaping from the scene, the suspects left behind several valuable items believed to have been stolen from victims in previous robbery incidents.

Upon examining the abandoned bag, police recovered a number of electronic devices, including eight iPhones, three Tecno mobile phones, one Samsung phone, and a laptop computer. The discovery raised suspicions that the suspects were part of a larger criminal gang involved in phone snatching and street robberies within Kampala and nearby areas.

Residents in Kawempe Division have in recent months complained about increasing cases of phone theft, especially during the night hours. Many victims have reported being attacked by criminals riding motorcycles who target pedestrians and passengers before quickly escaping through busy city roads. Police say operations such as this are part of ongoing efforts to restore security and protect the public from such criminal acts.

Police have now launched investigations to identify and arrest the suspects who fled the scene. Efforts are also underway to trace the rightful owners of the recovered phones and laptop. Authorities have encouraged anyone who recently lost a phone or laptop in the area to report to the police with proof of ownership so that the items can be returned to them.

The operation has been welcomed by residents, many of whom believe stronger police action will help reduce the growing problem of motorcycle-related crime in Kampala. Police have assured the public that more intelligence-led operations will continue in different parts of the city to track down criminals and improve public safety.