By Charles Etukuri
The Police have recovered over 30 phones that were snatched during the recently held Vumbula festival in Jinja in an operation that was carried out by the Kampala Metropolitan North Police.
Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the joint operation was carried out using various departments within the force.
“The KMP North, in a joint operation with various departments, including cyber, forensic, crime intelligence, and the flying squad, has successfully recovered a significant number of mobile phones suspected to have been snatched during the Vumbula Concert in Jinja city. The operation, based on crucial intelligence information, took place on Tuesday, at approximately 3:00pm,” Owoyesigyire said.
He added that a team of dedicated Police officers attached to the Kanyanya Police Station, Kawempe division, acted swiftly upon receiving information.
“They conducted a raid in Kyebando central zone, resulting in the apprehension of two suspects. The individuals have been identified as Julius Nuwamanya also known as James Nsubuga, 20 and Mark Kisakye, 20, both residents of Kyebando central zone, Kampala District. Nuwamanya, is a technician by profession, while Kisakye is self-employed,” Owoyesigyire said.
He revealed that the items, which were recovered from the suspects included 12 iPhones, three Samsung smartphones, one itel smartphone, a blue Nokia smartphone, three itel button phones, 3 Nokia button phones and one power bank.
The Police also recovered three national identity cards, one Ugandan passport in the name of Judith Kyarimpa, one identity card for Saudi Arabia in the name of Judith Kyarimpa, eight MTN SIM cards, 13 Airtel SIM cards, three Lyca cards, three damaged hard disks, one APC converter, one UBN radio, one Dell 14-inch laptop; and one WiFi D-link.
“Following the recovery, a case of possession of suspected stolen items was registered under Kanyanya Police. The recovered items have been properly exhibited and securely attached to the case file. Additionally, relevant statements obtained during the investigation have been included as evidence,” Owoyesigyire said.
He revealed that the Police findings indicate that the recovered mobile phones were in a second-hand state, with some displaying cracked screens and covers.
“Notably, the iPhones lacked SIM cards, and several had photos of their rightful owners visible on the screens,” Owoyesigyire added.
He said further updates on this investigation would be provided as they become available.
