Police in Nansana have raided the home of a suspected phone thief and recovered six mobile phones believed to have been stolen, following an operation led by the area District Police Commander (DPC), Morris Niyonzima.
The suspect, identified only as Stuart, is accused of stealing a mobile phone belonging to a government official before fleeing on a boda boda. Police say the stolen device was later tracked to his rented residence in Nansana East IIB.
According to preliminary investigations, the victim used phone tracking technology that guided officers to the suspect’s home.
“When we reached the house, the suspect had already escaped after realizing that police were tracking him,” DPC Niyonzima said. “However, we continued with the search and recovered several phones suspected to be stolen.”
During the search, officers reportedly recovered six mobile phones hidden inside a basin and a container of OMO detergent powder. Stuart’s wife, identified as Angel Atuhairwe, was found at the home and taken into custody to assist with investigations.
Police initially blocked journalists from filming inside the premises as the search operation continued.
The arrest attracted large crowds of residents, some of whom attempted to attack Atuhairwe as she was being escorted into a police patrol vehicle.
Residents accused Stuart of being involved in repeated phone robberies carried out using a boda boda, saying the crime had become increasingly common in the area.
“Phone theft has become too common in this area,” one resident said. “Many people have lost their phones to criminals riding on motorcycles, and residents have been living in fear.”
The LC1 chairperson of Nansana East IIB, Richard Lugya, later arrived at the scene and called for stronger cooperation between residents and security agencies.
“We are worried about the increasing theft cases, especially phone robberies,” Lugya said. “Residents should work closely with police by reporting suspicious people in the community.”
Local security official Ronald Bumpenje also warned young people against engaging in criminal activity.
“Youths should focus on working instead of stealing from innocent people,” he said. “Anyone caught stealing will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.”
DPC Niyonzima urged residents to avoid mob justice and instead report suspects to police.
“We ask the community to remain vigilant and always report suspects to police. Do not take the law into your own hands,” he said.
By press time, Angel Atuhairwe remained in custody at Nansana Police Station while police continued the search for Stuart, who is still on the run.
