Police crack down on gang snatching phones along Northern Bypass

KAMPALA - Police on Saturday, December 6, 2025, said they had cracked down on a criminal gang that has been violently snatching phones from motorists and passengers along the Northern Bypass. 

Luke Owoyesigyire, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Deputy Spokesperson, said 25 suspects had been arrested. 

"The territorial police in Kampala metropolitan would like to inform the public about the successful arrest of a group of criminals who have been violently snatching phones from motorists and passengers along the Northern Bypass, particularly during heavy traffic hours," Owoyesigyire said. 

"During an operation conducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, police officers arrested 25 suspects, who were caught red-handed grabbing phones from victims stuck in traffic around the Double Q area," Owoyesigyire added. 

Owoyesigyire said they had also impounded eight motorcycles used by the suspects in the commission of these crimes.

Luke Owoyesigyire

"Several witnesses have already recorded statements, and video footage capturing the suspects in action has been obtained to support the investigations and subsequent prosecution. All suspects are currently detained at Nateete Police Division," he noted. 

The KMP deputy spokesperson assured the public that deployments during traffic jam hours will continue, especially as we enter the festive season, to curb this criminal activity and enhance the safety of road users.

"We appreciate the public for the continued vigilance and cooperation," he said. 

The operation comes in the wake of a series of other operations conducted by police last month targeting criminal gangs accused of causing havoc in different parts of Kampala.