Uganda: Police Arrest Four Suspects Over Phone and Bag Snatching Along Kampala-Masaka Highway

22 March 2026

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

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, SP Rachael Kawala, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts in the area.

The operation was prompted by a robbery case reported on March 17, 2026, at Kyengera Police Station by a businesswoman and resident of Namagoma Kisozi in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District.

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The victim reported that her laptop bag had been stolen, containing Shs 5,340,000, two smartphones valued at Shs 1,300,000, and a National Identity Card.

On March 20, 2026, a police task team conducted an operation in the Busega swamp area, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of 20 iPhones and two Tecno phones from a makeshift structure believed to have been used as a hideout.

The suspects have been identified as John Muwesi, 33, a resident of Busega; Saka Mbazanyi, 25, a resident of Nateete; Stephen Kabuka, 23, a resident of Busega; and a 17-year-old male also from Busega.

"An intelligence-led operation was conducted targeting identified criminal hideouts within the Busega swamp, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of multiple stolen devices," SP Rachael Kawala said.

All suspects are currently in police custody pending prosecution.

Authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and return the recovered devices to their rightful owners, as well as to apprehend additional suspects believed to be involved in the criminal activities.

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